In many ways, deciding whether to have another child is even harder thandeciding on having the first one.
Its a lot more complex than asking Do we want more children and do we have enough money?
Adding another child is almost like creating a whole new family again.
Here are some things you should consider as you ponder this difficult choice.
To be fair, many people dont struggle with this.
Thats great for them.
So lets tackle this internal tug of war.
After finally figuring out each others quirks, were insider-y in a way all of the best families are.
To consider bringing an outsideralbeit a newborninto this is a very big decision.
Each additional pregnancy and child will challenge the relationships and the routines youve already established.
The question is: what are you ready for and what is your family ready for?
You have to consider both your kids personalities and your own.
The truth is, adding another child is going to be stressful and more work, period.
But more children can definitely enhance your family as well.
Its double (or triple, etc.)
the giggles and experiences and surprises, and, hopefully, love.
Another good tactic is to have playdates or overnight visits with kids younger than your own.
How long before the kids turn into unrecognizable tyrants?
How long before you go batty?
In todays economy and with the cost of childcare so high, two might be the affordable family limit.
Carla Wiking says onMom.me:
With your
second baby
, you are so much more relaxed.
You didnt kill the first one, and you have a pretty decent grasp on what to expect.
Going from one to two is more manageable than going from two to three.
Now theres a middle child and fun fights to break up like two against one.
(Im not sure of the math for adding additional children.
There must be a peak children-to-parental energy formula out there, but I couldnt find it via Google.
Many women in those cases go on to have healthy kids.
Sometimes just trying to get pregnant takes its emotional toll.
Babycenterhas some research on the best time to have another baby.
But in terms of the health of the baby: two or three years before you get pregnant again.
Would you be able to go part-time or one parent quit for a few years if needed?
Its a lot to consider.
Like having the first child, there will always be doubts and what ifs to trip you up.
