When Two Is Too Many
Posted on | January 30, 2010
by | Kim
I have a question for all the Mamas out there: what do you do when you get that dreaded comment along the lines of “you should stop having kids.”
Since I’m asking, it’s safe to say that we got that nice little bombshell dropped on us recently. I’m still at a loss as to why that was dropped on us, since we only have two kids who are perfectly taken care of. And considering one isn’t even born yet, I’m even more confused. We may not have the same lifestyle as everyone else, but it works for our little family and we enjoy it.
In all reality, I thought that if we were to start having more than “the average” number of kids, that we would get the “stop having kids!” comments. Around the city where we live, “the average” is around three. I never thought I’d see the day where two became “too many”.
Obviously, prayers are definitely needed for this person; but how would you (charitably) respond to this situation?
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5 Responses to “When Two Is Too Many”
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January 30th, 2010 @ 5:18 pm
Wow…I don’t know how to even respond to that, period. I think it depends also on whether the person is very combative and in your face about it. Because I wouldn’t want to engage in that since I know I would end up just throwing down. But I think I would just repond that “we are so blessed with the gift of children and how the Lord provides for all our needs.” Something along those lines. Definitely prayers!!!
January 31st, 2010 @ 7:51 pm
I just posted about this kind of thing a few days ago. Its hard when people have no idea what you are talking about when you see children as a blessing, and I’m not sure there really is anything to say. My Dad used to say “which one should we have skipped?” and that usually shut them up. I hope to write a bit more about this in the future since it is something I continue to think about.
February 1st, 2010 @ 9:06 am
Nicole and Young Mom, thanks for your replies. We’re hoping that the speaker just had one of those ‘foot in mouth moments’ and it doesn’t resurface for a while. :\
February 1st, 2010 @ 9:57 am
Definitely expecting this to happen. I’m not really sure either. Hubby’s approach is to say something like “Well, we plan to ask God’s input as well.” My approach is to just smile and nod and not say much
I think when this comes up w/close family we will say something like, “We really appreciate your advice b/c we know you are just looking out for us and concerned about what’s best for our family. We have a slightly different perspective on how to determine our family size so we plan to continue to pray through that.”
February 2nd, 2010 @ 1:55 pm
I like your response, especially with close family.
Charitable yet firm without villanizing the other party.