children close in age and ignorant people
By samantha11
@samantha11 (2)
February 1, 2008 4:33pm CST
Thanks for all those who have shown their knowledge & understanding after another mother criticised me for having three children. I'm not very good at responding to things like that when I'm not expecting it. I think that, in England, or at least where I live, it's not 'the norm' to have large families by choice. Some people even think that some people do it so that they don't have to work!( When we all know that raising children half decently is the most exhausting job!) I know of two families near me who have five children each, close in age and one mother told me that that quite frequently people would be rude to her/husband/children when out somewhere. Her children are not even unruly! My best way to cope really is to forgive and rise above it because I feel really fortunate to be given such lovely children even when they misbehave and the advantages of having them close together outweigh the negatives.
2 people like this
6 responses
@aseretdd (13730)
• Philippines
3 Feb 08
Well those people who are rude should learn form celebrity couples like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt... these two are very vocal about having more children eventhough they already have a handful... i myself would like to have four or five and i don't think that is a sin...
The problem would be having a lot of children if the couple do not have enough ways and means to take care of them...
Having many children should be considered as a blessing and not a curse...
@crazed_moma (1054)
• United States
2 Feb 08
My five are close togeather too. My oldest was 6 when I had the twins. I've seen parents of 1 or 2 that couldn't handle them as well as some parents with more than I have. I just tell myeslf they're probably jealous. ;) either that or ignorant.
@stacyv81 (5903)
• United States
2 Feb 08
I have two one is 4 and the other is one, I am currently pregnant with #3, (38 weeks) so I know how you feel. I get looks and comments but whatever. I live in the US and people are opting for less children, but I think that I am doing what I want and my kids arent unruly either, so I try not to let it bother me
@quiltedblessings (1066)
• United States
1 Feb 08
truly some people enjoy showing how ignorant they can be. I have five children ages 12, 10, 8, 6, and 3. I have seen it all. People that will say horrible things about how I have too many children, I should be neutered, I should have never been born (because I am helping over populate the planet)... You see what I'm getting at. Some people had horrible childhoods I suppose or horrid adult lives I don't know. I just know that I love my children, they are better behaved than alot of children we know that are only children. Will I ever apologize for having a big family? Nope. You shouldn't either. :O)
@Sillychick (3275)
• United States
2 Feb 08
Good for you to not let other people's opinions bother you too much. All families are different, so who are they to judge you or anyone else based on the number of children you have?
I have learned to deal with rude comments about my decision to have only one child. Everyone says 'he'll be lonely' or 'he needs a playmate.'
So it just goes to show- 'you can't please everyone, so you've got to please yourself.' I forget who said that, but it's in a song. It's true. No matter what you do, or don't do, there will be people who think you are wrong. Ignore all that and do what is right for you and your family.
