"Soon after I had my son, I was shocked when someone asked when I was going to give him a sibling. Economic strain and limited support systems make raising a child a very big commitment. We might be one and done with our family. We want our son to have it all, and I want a life, too. "So, when are you going to have another child?" I was freshly postpartum the first time I heard this question, and I couldn't even fathom a response."
"The pressure from others to have more kids feels intrusive and tiring. Quips like "They need a sibling" get old fast and can be easily discredited. My child has two loving parents, grandparents, and lots of friends. Besides, I know plenty of adults who don't have relationships with their siblings. It also isn't my responsibility to provide my child with a built-in playmate."
A postpartum parent receives repeated questions about having more children and feels intrusive pressure from family, friends, and strangers. Financial strain, unaffordable housing, healthcare costs, and limited childcare support make raising an additional child a significant commitment. The parent values giving full attention to one child and recognizes existing support from two parents, grandparents, and friends. Common justifications like 'they need a sibling' are dismissed because many adults lack sibling relationships and sibling status does not guarantee companionship. External comments increase anxiety and prompt second-guessing about family size. The parent weighs emotional capacity and life balance when deciding against expanding the family.
Read at Business Insider
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