Name: Anurag
Noida, UP, India
Number of kids: 1
Ages of kids: 3
Problem: We have a 3yr old daughter. We are not interested in more children. But everyone is recommending a second child as otherwise the only child develops various problems. Professional guidance required, please.
Solution submitted by Carrie from Warren, PA: Why can't people stop being so nosey and question other's decisions on family size. I have 2 beautiful girls whom me and my husband love very much. When we made the decision that 2 would be it for us I opted to have my tubes tied following the birth of my second daughter. You wouldn't believe the comments people made to me. The worst one was, "What would you do if your baby dies?" and "Oh come on, in a few years you'll want to have another one." So, whether it's one, two, or five kids someone is always going to comment on your decision of family size. Nobody ever seems happy with that decision. As Ann Landers fondly puts it, "Tell them to M.Y.O.B.!" And yes, spoil that child. Spoil your child with "lots of love." Good luck!
Another solution submitted by "Queenb" from Indiana: I believe you need to listen to your own heart. If you feel one child is enough than you should only have one child. Some people think that if you have one child that they will be so spoiled and have behavior problems that they think you should have at least two. That is not true. As long as the child has two loving parents and do everything they can to provide for the baby then that is all that is needed. Don't feel guilty or pressured by other people because of remarks. It is you and your husband's choice and yours only. Good Luck in what you decide.
Another solution submitted by "Kendell" from Henderson, Nevada: No. More than one child is not necessary. Please listen to your heart, not what others say. You can be better parents to the one special child you do have, than to have more out of obligation, and feel overwhelmed. Good Luck!
Another solution submitted by "Shannon" from Havertown, PA: The number of children that you want to have is a very personal decision. I don't think it should be anyone else's business. Though I would like very much to have more than one child, I don't think anyone else need feel the same way. Maybe one child is all you can afford, or you may only be able to afford to send one child to college.
I don't think an only child will necessarily have problems. Try to allow your child a lot of time with other children of various ages. Cousins are a great resource to the only child. And don't try to live through your child, which is overwhelming for the only child
My husband is an only child, too!
Another solution submitted by "Val" from Toronto, CAN: Tell these people to mind their own business!
Please submit any more solutions.