Typically, Mormons have big families. Or at least that was the way it used to be. I think that trend is changing though. It seems as I look around in church that there are no longer tons of families in each ward that have 6+ kids, but rather one family, maybe two that is a big family.
However, in today’s society, it is interesting to hear what people think about having big families. A non-LDS family member of mine once told my husband and I that, “it was just, not right for the world for people to have more than two kids.” Interesting way of putting it I thought, especially talking to a young, LDS married couple with one child already. It was like she was trying to tell us, don’t have another kid! It was a little awkward. I wonder what that person will think when we have number 3 someday?
But, three is as many as my husband and I want to have. And, honestly, now that I have two children, I think it is as many as we can handle. Life seems so busy these days. My husband works a lot, and the majority of the child rearing tasks fall squarely on my shoulders. This puts a lot of pressure on me, and a lot of stress. But, I feel lucky to be a stay at home Mom in this economy. We have to sacrifice a lot, but it is worth it. Three seems like it will be about all we can manage financially too. Times are different, but we do know that the purpose of families is an eternal purpose not to be taken lightly.
I find myself seeing larger LDS families and being a little jealous. It looks like so much fun! Well, for the kids, but I’m not sure about for the Moms. But, usually, the older ones help the younger ones, and as time goes on, I’m sure it gets easier. But, for me, I’ll stick with three.