Do they rely on government funding and handouts?
I've seen finance podcasts (like David Ramsey) and noticed people calling in talking about their financing issues and many have 2-3 kids.
--Michael D. Clarke
For some its not about money, but about time. Some people dedicate more time to their children, hence the conclusion of some couples that they couldnt handle more.
Where I live, having 2-3 children is not a financial burden, govt helps you out enough. Reduced salary taxes, help with first years, free school etc. But, you will always have family time, translating into reduced time to make money.
It's usually religious bans on birth control. The Catholic Church for one forbids birth control methods such as the pill or even condoms.
shareYeah, I've noticed it's the devout religious (Christians and Catholics) that tend to have large families. Especially if they don't have well-off jobs, how the heck do they do it?
Also, in large families, I hear stories about the older children/teens harboring bitterness with looking after the younger children. Because it sacrifices their social life and sometimes educational opportunities. That sounds awful!
--Michael D. Clarke
My parents had 9 kids. My dad was an engineer so money wasn't an issue. It's actually kinda fun to grow up in a big crazy family. My older sisters don't seem to resent babysitting me and my brothers. In fact, the problem I have is getting them to recognize me as an adult.
shareMy oldest son and his wife have seven kids. I think they're crazy, but their choice, not mine. My son has a very well-paying career. Definitely no government funding needed, thankfully.
And can I say that my daughter-in-law is the woman I most admire? Mother of seven children and she homeschools them, too. Before you judge, she has a Masters in Education and knows what she's doing. Several times a year, she attends seminars for homeschooling parents. The kids get plenty of social interactions through the sports they play, as well as other extracurricular activities such as music lessons, orchestra concerts, etc.
That’s great for them and I know you are very proud.
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Nope. Most of my friends are parents of 4 or more kids.
It's about being open to the responsibility of having a family and putting that first.
That being said, the financial issues really come down to the average person overspending of non-essential entertainment. My buddies don't fly the family to Disney for a vacation. They go camping or have a picnic. Sports are very expensive. So a lot of people in my area actually discourage their kids from expensive sports like hockey.
I was a latchkey kid who was taken into a family with five kids. Mom cooked from scratch and worked part time. Dad had two jobs and ran a farm. We always had work and food.
I dont know about modern times, but back in my day when you have too many offspring you traded them for sheep.
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