How many kids do you want?
By laydee
@laydee (12798)
Philippines
August 5, 2007 8:15am CST
Do you have kids?
Do you want kids?
How many kids do you want?
How many boys or girls?
I just read in the news that there's a family in the United States with 17 children! Could you dare do that too? *LOL*
---- Here's the News Piece ----
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (AP) -- It's a girl -- again -- for Jim Bob and Michelle Duggars, the proud parents of 17 children.
And after Jennifer Danielle was born Thursday morning, her parents already were talking about having more children.
"We'd love to have more," Michelle Duggar said, adding that the girls are outnumbered seven to 10 in the family. "We love the ruffles and lace."
The family's home in the northwest Arkansas town of Tontitown includes dormitory-style bedrooms for the boys and girls, nine bathrooms, a commercial kitchen, four washing machines and four dryers.
The children are home-schooled by Michelle Duggar, 40. The oldest is 19 and the youngest, before Jennifer, is almost 2 years old. The family includes two sets of twins.
"We are just so grateful to God for another gift from him," said Jim Bob Duggar, 42, a former state representative who sells real estate. "We are just so thankful to him that everything went just very well."
All of Jennifer's siblings also have names that start with J. They are: Joshua, 19; John David, 17; Janna, 17; Jill, 16; Jessa, 14; Jinger, 13; Joseph, 12; Josiah, 11; Joy-Anna, 9; Jedidiah, 8; Jeremiah, 8; Jason 7; James 6; Justin, 4; Jackson, 3; Johannah, almost 2.
The Duggars have been featured on several programs on cable's Discovery Health Network.
Among the "fun facts" listed on Discovery Health's Web page devoted to the Duggars: A baby has been born in every month except June; the family has gone through about 90,000 diapers, and Michelle Duggar has been pregnant for 126 months -- or 10.5 years -- of her life.
=)
11 people like this
63 responses
@gradyslady (4054)
• United States
18 Sep 07
I want kids, I'm Irish so I really want to have a big family, I come from a big family too. I'm the youngest of 7. I love having a big family because there's always something going on whether it's good or bad, but you have people there to love for you and to help you through things.
2 people like this
@_jajallena (52)
• Philippines
28 Aug 07
hmm.. i love kids..especially cute ones lol... as per the question how many kids i want... i say 4 eldest being a boy, then girl and then twins either identical or fraternal..lol..that's what i really really want although i know chances are absolutely thin when it comes to achieving that...however a girl can still dream...of course age is no longer my luxury.. *sigh*
btw that's a fascinating fascinating article..lol
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
28 Aug 07
![toddler - Toddler is a common term for a young child who is learning to walk or "toddle",[1] generally considered to be the second stage of development after infancy and occurring predominantly during the ages of 12 to 36 months old.[2] During this period, the child learns a great deal about social roles and develops motor skills; to toddle is to walk unsteadily. The term cruising is used for toddlers who can not toddle but must hold onto something while walking.
The toddler developmental timeline shows what an average toddler can do at what age. Times vary greatly from child to child. It is not uncommon for some toddlers to master certain skills (such as walking) well before other skills (like talking). Even close siblings can vary greatly in the time taken to achieve each key milestone.
This is the age when they are known as "the terrible twos", because of the temper tantrums they are famous for. This stage can begin as early as nine months old depending on the child and environment. The toddler is discovering that they are a separate being from their mother or caregiver and are testing their boundaries in learning the way the world around them works. This time between the ages of two and five when they are reaching for independence repeats itself during adolescence. Thus it is very important for the caregiver to be consistent with boundaries and discipline for the child’s safety and the caregiver's sanity through puberty.
Most children are toilet trained while they are toddlers. In most Western countries, toilet training starts as early as 18 months for some while others are not ready to begin toilet training until they are three.
When toddlers can walk they are still often transported in a buggy, or stroller when they are tired, or to increase speed.](http://img.mylot.com/350x350/1737733.jpg "toddler - Toddler is a common term for a young child who is learning to walk or \"toddle\",[1] generally considered to be the second stage of development after infancy and occurring predominantly during the ages of 12 to 36 months old.[2] During this period, the child learns a great deal about social roles and develops motor skills; to toddle is to walk unsteadily. The term cruising is used for toddlers who can not toddle but must hold onto something while walking.
The toddler developmental timeline shows what an average toddler can do at what age. Times vary greatly from child to child. It is not uncommon for some toddlers to master certain skills (such as walking) well before other skills (like talking). Even close siblings can vary greatly in the time taken to achieve each key milestone.
This is the age when they are known as \"the terrible twos\", because of the temper tantrums they are famous for. This stage can begin as early as nine months old depending on the child and environment. The toddler is discovering that they are a separate being from their mother or caregiver and are testing their boundaries in learning the way the world around them works. This time between the ages of two and five when they are reaching for independence repeats itself during adolescence. Thus it is very important for the caregiver to be consistent with boundaries and discipline for the child’s safety and the caregiver's sanity through puberty.
Most children are toilet trained while they are toddlers. In most Western countries, toilet training starts as early as 18 months for some while others are not ready to begin toilet training until they are three.
When toddlers can walk they are still often transported in a buggy, or stroller when they are tired, or to increase speed.")
Wow... What are the odds of having that? *LOL*.. I do have chances of getting twins though. And I really want to have them hehehe..
=)
Yeah I agree, it's really fascinating how people could have so many kids and are still able to take good care of them.
=)
Thanks for the reply though. Have a great time with myLot.
1 person likes this
@stacy624 (2776)
• Canada
5 Aug 07
WOW thats just amazing ......I am a mom to 7 soon to have 8 any day I always said I wanted 10 lol but right now want to stop to give my body a break and time to spend with my children I Have here now =) I think that it doesn't matter how many children you decide to have its weather you can find the time and make the money to provide for them that is most important. Thank you so much for sharing this Great story with us
Happy posting
Stacy
1 person likes this
@stacy624 (2776)
• Canada
6 Aug 07
I have been blessed with 3 Beautiful Girls Cierra 10, Jessica 9, Britney 8 and 4 boys Reuebn 7, Jonathan 4, Adam 2 and Timothy 22 months and we are due tomorrow to have our 5th son (Ashton or David still pending lol) Being a mom to a lot of children has its amazing days but can also have those long stressful ones to. For Mike and I we don't have sitters and we do all the work for all these little ones. Its really rewarding to see your littles ones growing the new words and actions they pick up along the way, those days when they come home from school with their Happy Mother's/Father's day card ect. or when the kids just come to give you a hug and kiss and tell you they Love you. My kids are my world and I so couldn't image life any other way. =)
1 person likes this
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
6 Aug 07
Wow, due tomorrow and you're posting myLot tonight! *LOL* Well good luck to that event!
Wow, it must be tiring to have to take care of all of them, but you're right, many times have mothers told me that there's no greater love and satisfaction when you see your kids grow right before your eyes and when they give hugs and kisses and tell you how much they love you!
I even feel ecstatic when a child or a baby smiles at me, how much more if they're my own?!
Shucks, they're just so cute. But yeah a whole lot of responsibilities.
Good luck to you super mom and super dad!
=)
Have a safe and fulfilling delivery, all prayers are with you!
=)
2 people like this
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
6 Aug 07
Yeah you are right about that. It really doesn't matter how many as long as you have the time and could provide.
How is being a mom of 8?
What are the good sides?
By the way, how many boys and how many girls?
What are their age gaps?
It's really amazing. I have always thought people have stopped having children more than 3 at this generation. Now that you have come forward, it's amazing how there are still families who have that much.
God bless you and your family.
Thanks for posting, have a great day!
=)
2 people like this
@nmhschic2004 (1238)
• United States
14 Dec 07
I dont have any kids yet. But i am pregnant with my first one. Im due anyday now. I would like to have a boy and a girl. If that doesnt happpen then the most my husband and i want is 4. I dont think i could handle having 17 kids. That is such a big family. You would have to be rich to be able to afford to raise that many kids. And putting them all through college, whew! I have to hand it to these parents they must have a lot of patience.
1 person likes this
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
18 Dec 07
Oh yeah, rearing kids does entail patience. A whole lot of it. I just couldn't imagine how they could afford college. It's good that they're home schooled, but what about college?
Thanks for your input.. and Good luck with the first one.
:)
1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
18 Aug 07
I'd love to have 4 children because I grew up with 3 more siblings. It will be tough handling 4 kids but I know that it will be worth it. My siblings and I are very much close with each other. They are all my bestfriends. We really had a very memorable childhood. I remember the time when my younger sister and I would get into a fight. We were instant "kickboxers"!We would kick each other and pull hairs and scream hysterically.But afterwards, we're bestfriends again.
Now that I have a son, my husband and I would like 2 more. Originally, we wanted 4 kids but we're not sure we'll be able to support them. We want the best for our son and his future siblings. And I guess 2 siblings are ok than no one. I really hope that he'll have great experience and memories that I've had with my brother and sisters. They are really precious memories for me. And I'm lucky to have them as my siblings.
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
18 Aug 07
I sure remember my past with your story. I have 3 brothers and yeah I have my own experience of kickboxing. *LOL* It sure is fun. I'm sure your kids would have these experiences on their own, just don't allow them to be too preoccupied with the internet but give them time to play with each other or with you their parents. They'll sure remember it when they're older.
Good luck!
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts!
2 people like this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
19 Aug 07
My husband and I are planning to have a go on having another baby this year. I'm not sure though if it's a wise decision considering that it was only May this year that I suffered from a miscarriage. It was supposed to be our second baby. But we're really hoping that we can give our son more siblings so that he can have the same fun experience that I've had.
1 person likes this
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
20 Aug 07
Yeah, the cost of living really plays a vital role in society this time. I miss the old times when it didn't matter much. Regardless how many kids, and the wife staying at home, the father could provide a good home and all the kids become professionals. Whew. That was a good life.
Good luck.. Hope you'll have good blessings for the years to come.
=)
1 person likes this
@selina0625 (1379)
• Philippines
5 Aug 07
I can never imagine myself having that many kids! I have one kid now and I'm thinking to add one more and that's it. Just two kids is enough for me, one boy and hopefully the next one is a girl. It's better that way so that each child would have enough care and attention from both parents and parents can also take care of themselves and have time for themselves. That's responsible parenthood.
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
6 Aug 07
Yeah, I definitely agree. As one mylotter said in this discussion ~ it doesn't matter how many as long as you can have the time and the ability to provide for those kids.
It's really sad how there are a lot of people who tend to have a lot of kids but aren't really 'responsible parents'. They just let their kids do their own thing, ending up like sheep without shepherds and blaming the government or the environment for having bad kids. Whew.
I like the idea of parents who can take care of themselves too. Marriage and family life after all doesn't need to be pain. It also needs the proper balance in order to keep the family happy.
=)
Thanks for the post, it was a great comment.
Have a great time posting!
1 person likes this
@mystic_0318 (937)
• United States
18 Sep 07
wow that is a huge family! I couldn't imagine having that many children! I have 3 daughters and they area hand full! I wanted to have 4-6 children but with my last one I lmost lost her and I didn't want to have anymore and rick them or lose one of them...I always wanted to have a cpl of boys but god gave me all girls. Best of luck to that family with 17 children..
1 person likes this
@sheenshaukat (2617)
• Pakistan
5 Aug 07
I had four childern. One of them was coming back home from her college and she was crushed by a bus. I lost her. My elder son was fell in love and married with a girl and left us. One boy is student of computer science and youngest of all is reading in primary class four.
The people, who have no kids have no worries. But the parents with their kids have many many worries about their kids. This I experienced in my life and stated here.
1 person likes this
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
6 Aug 07
Wow, that's sad.
Hm.. Could you give a little more 'good side' about having kids though? *LOL* We singles might be discouraged to have kids of our own.
If you were given the chance though, would you have not gotten married or gotten kids?
=)
Thanks for the post and happy posting!
=)
1 person likes this
@yammydudes (865)
• Philippines
28 Aug 07
wow!we're nine siblings and life has been difficult...can't imagine with 17. Well, I wanted 2-3 children only...
1 person likes this
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
11 Sep 07
Wow, nine siblings. How does it feel like to be part of a huge family? How did your parents deal with you guys? Were there ever fights? *LOL*
Why only 2-3 children? How many boys? and how many girls?
I'm sure you could really relate to the 17 kids, that's like almost doubled your family's size.
=)
1 person likes this
@viollet_ry (968)
• Indonesia
5 Aug 07
Hi, laydee. I am a mother of a lovely baby boy. Now he is 11 months. Now he started to walk but still not doing gud. My hubby actually planned to have 3 kids. Two boys and a girl. I think I wont give birth to 17 children. That will be too many. :D
1 person likes this
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
6 Aug 07
Oh! That's really cute, 11 months. I just love looking at babies. They're so fragile. *LOL*
By the way, why 2 boys and 1 girl?
Yeah, I don't think I can handle 17 children too. I think it'll blow my mind and my hubby's to finance all of those. With different needs!
Whew!
=)
Thanks for the post.
Have a great time posting!!
=)
1 person likes this
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
6 Aug 07
Oh, why 1 boy and 2 girls? What's the eldest?
Hehehe... The story made you excited to have kids?! *LOL* That's funny, it made me traumatic to have kids! *LOL*
I just couldn't explain how to deal with the expenses with those number of kids! Waaa! *LOL*
=)
1 person likes this
@Buggheart (445)
• United States
5 Aug 07
I don't want any kids. I think I'd be a horrible mom and I'm far too selfish and freaked out by things to be a good parent. That said, I am always amazed when I hear about the Duggars and their huge family. It just amazes me how they manage to get around and keep everyone fed and clothed and happy. I know they have that buddy system thing and all and the older kids help out a lot. But I just cannot imagine that many people in one house. It just blows my mind!
1 person likes this
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
6 Aug 07
I think what you have are just worries. You can't really say you're a horrible mom until you have tried. *LOL*
There are people who many would think don't have rights of becoming parents but end up as very good parents.
=)
Yeah, it also amazes me how those in a huge family could manage. But I think it's because of experience. I mean, they did not have lot of kids at one time. *LOL* First, they had one, then two, then three and so on. So they had time to 'perfect' their system.
=)
1 person likes this
@JUNGLE (1157)
• South Africa
17 Aug 07
I always ever wanted one a girl,just because I love
and adore girls,so far I dont have any children.Now
I have a little nephew who turns 1 year on Tuesday
21st August.He is the light of my life and has my heart.I dont know now if I want any of my own.!!!LOL!!
@JUNGLE (1157)
• South Africa
18 Aug 07
Yeah you're right I should just hang in there,one can
never say what might be waiting just around the corner.And errr......Oh!!!!!why do I want a baby girl?????Weeeeeeeeeeel you know you get Mummy's boys
and Daddy's little girls.It feels to me that girls
always look to Daddy to protect them and boys, well some boys want to look after Mummy.They say a boy's
best friend is his Mother,anyway I speak for myself
and my Father Jack and a more famous person thats Elvis,they and myself loved their Mothers only as Mothers could be be loved.Dean Martin sang a song called,"A man who loves his Mother is man enough for me"I have 5 sisters and each and every one of them
regard him as a Superhero and indeed he is.I love
girls very much and I greatly respect females of all ages.I hope this answers your question,which was a good question indeed.!!!!!!!!!!LOL!!!!!!!!!
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
11 Aug 07
I want 3 kids; I don't care about gender. Middle children are the world's negociators, and adding another negociator to the world isn't a bad goal.
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
12 Aug 07
Middle children often negociate between their siblings without even thinking about it. They take these skills into whatever they do in life.
@stacy624 (2776)
• Canada
5 Dec 07
WOW ......I must say it takes a lot of work and devotion doing this sort of thing =) I am 29 years old with 8 Healthy beautiful children my oldest being 11, 10, 8, 7, 5, 3, 2, and 4 months. I have been thinking do I really want to have anymore this question cannot be answered at this time lol. I wouldnt change what I have done and im sure this family feels the same. But wow!!! Thanks so much for sharing!
1 person likes this
@andrejuly84 (1047)
• Romania
6 Aug 07
wooow,that's such a big family!i don't know how they survive.i was born in a family with 3 children and i was always thinking this is too much.i had always something to fight with my brothers and i didn't like that.now i have just a child and i don't want another one.it's enough for me .even if is nice to have a baby ,i consider that my girl take place of 10 children if i am thinking how is getting me nervous.her grandparents used her to receive everything she wants and if i don't want to give her something or i can't give it to her she start screaming and all the stuff and she gets me very upset and nervous.can't imagine what i would do with 17 kids.don't think i would resist.
@andrejuly84 (1047)
• Romania
6 Aug 07
you're right i'm a little bit tired.she makes only what she wants,she gets very nervous if i don't do what she asks and she is only 2 years and 7 months.what would she do when she will grow.can't imagine.i am a little bit stressed even now.don't know what would be after some years.oh,God!there were also good parts since i have this little angel,she's beautiful and smart,she loves me and she kisses me so sweet and trying talking to me(when she is calm of course)i love her i feel sorry every time i have to scream at her .i will try to control better my attitude and also the way i educate her
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
6 Aug 07
Yeah, indeed it is traumatic to be in the middle of a fight between 17kids!
Whew, I can't help but wonder how they settle fights, do they have a courtroom session at their home for that? hahahaha.. with witnesses and all? hahahhaa...
How old is your baby girl? seems to me you are quite tired of taking care of your baby. *LOL* stressed out mom?
By the way, what are the good things and great things you can say about having a baby girl all this time?
Thanks for the post.
Have a great time posting.
Have a great day ahead too.
=)
@hussasad (57)
• India
6 Aug 07
yeah even i would like to have lots of kids... but again it would depend on a lot of things... the most important being money.... if i can support 10 kids then i am prepared to have as many kids :)... also i would take into consideration the stress my partner would have to take.. cos its easy for a man to say 'lets have 10 kids'... but i guess it is quite difficult for a woman to be pregnant for 90 months of her life....
also what do you ppl think about population control... do u think that if everyone started having a lot of kids, then there wont be enough resources.... well, i for one dont think so... the more ppl u have the more u can do with them... thats what i think...
@hussasad (57)
• India
6 Aug 07
thanks for the comments....
i said that i wud consider other things in this issue, and population control was not one among them... i think u misunderstood that part... i was saying that i dont like the idea of population control... basically, i feel the more kids u have the more merrier...i dont want other ppl to tell me how many kids i shud have... if i can afford to have an army of kids and i bear their expenses, why shud anyone else complain about it!!
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
6 Aug 07
It's sensitive of you to think about your partner. Way to go man! *LOL*
Yeah, I guess you're right about a few sets of things, like the stress it has to put through your wife, population control, plus having enough resources. If only more men would think about how you think rather than just do their thing and forget about responsibilities afterwards.
Plus don't forget the stress it causes the mom to take care of a lot of kids while dad is at work. Or worst, mom takes care of kids while doing work!
Whew.
Thanks for the post.
Have a great day to you.
=)
1 person likes this
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
7 Aug 07
Oh, sorry, my bad.
=)
Maybe it's ok if like you all people would be responsible for the children they bring to life. But, sad to say, there are a lot of parents who just make babies and don't really take care of them ~ thus there are many unloved children.
And sad to say, these children grow up lacking in love thus they create trouble. 90% of those who are in prison are unloved kids.
=)
1 person likes this
@vinzen (1020)
• India
6 Aug 07
Hi, well yes i had also read this article , and it startled me that in this decade too people are still wanting to have such a large family, and stillwanting to increase it further. Well no i cannot even imagine to remain pregnant for so many months!! And well, the financial matter is alwasy there, just raising 1-2 kids properly should be ones aim, rather than having many kids and not be able to give them the best in life. Yet there are people who say no more after 1 child, that too as per me is not right as a healthy sibling relationship for company is required too i think, anywas this again depends on each one to their own. We cannot say much as its their family and thier lives.
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
7 Aug 07
Yeah, I agree. These thing are decided by the parents themselves. They know their own capacities. And maybe they're really good at it.
I'm just quite concerned about the many who are not really that responsible. There are those who just give birth and couldn't really care less how to take care of their kids. It's sad, but the number of unloved children are increasing over the years.
Thanks for the comment.
Have a great week ahead.
By the way, for you personally, how many kids you want? How many boys and how many girls?
=)
Good luck!
@vinzen (1020)
• India
7 Aug 07
Thanks for responding. Well i am rather content with my family of two kids and dont want any more, as to be able to bring these two up properly would be the best thing for me. And both are girls, but i prefer them to boys, who when they grow tend to neglect and not care as much as girls do .:)
