How do I decide whether to have a second child?

Hello. I have had that second child and actually even a third lol. It was a hard decision both times b/c I knew the fewer I had the more I could give that one or two in my case lol. But then I always thought like my mother told me. One day her and my dad would be gone and all I would have is my little brother. So when I had kids I remembered that b/c if I was to of just had one who would they of had when I was gone. I think it would be lonely for an only child. A big family isn't for everyone; that I know but having a second doesn't change as much as you would think. It's the third that kicks you in the butt lol. I would suggest you go for it and have just one more to give your son a companion; a lifetime friend. I truly believe you will be happy you did. Most people I know that have stopped at three has always regreted it. Go for it while you still have a chance!!! Good luck!

my first born was 2 months premature and weighed 3lbs, I was really scared to have another child because of this. I grew up an only child and always wanted a brother or sister. I had lots of family (cousins, step-sister, etc.) around me, but it just wasn't the same. I had that second child 3 and a half years after the first one and I have not regretted it at all. My family feels complete now. Yes they do have their fights ( 1st one is a boy and the 2nd one is a girl) but I just love it when I look in my daughter's room and they are sitting together silently watching TV or playing Gamecube with each other. I don't think they will ever feel the loneliness that I felt growing up. We go camping together,we do everything together and we enjoy it. We even camp with another family that has 3 children and they all get along so great! My husband also works nights and I do just fine on my own with the kids. I hope I helped you make your decision, if it feels right, go for it!

I have 2 girls that are 7 years apart.(Now 15 and 22) When I wanted the 2nd one, had problems with pregnancy's finally found out what was wrong. My 2nd child was born when I was 31 and turned everything upside down, but well worth it. Don't have a baby cause your son is interested, do what you and your husband want to do. (My oldest daughter loves to rib her younger sister saying she really just wanted a dog..lol)

Pros's..you are now experienced, the 2nd one will be a joy, you wont be as nervous. My biggest hold back was "How can I love another child as much as the first?" OMG, the minute I had her the joy and love over flowed. You have room in your life if you desire for another

Cons..it is a interruption in your life, no longer can you run out the door without packing that 25 pound diaper bag. You forget about the nights without sleep

I know several people who were the only child and most of them always wished for a brother or sister. I think 3 years is about the right spacing for kids. Mine are 3 years apart (31 and 28 this year)

I always think of what it would be like not to have any brothers or sisters after your parents are gone. You don't say if you have any siblings, but imagine what it would be like not to have any nieces or nephews,aunts or uncles. I guess I come from a big family and if I had been younger (or richer) when I had my kids, I would have had more. At any rate, this is a decision only you and your husband can make. And as Dr.Phil says it takes two yes's or one no.

I am the mother of 2 wonderful boys and in the process of adopting girls. My boys are 3 years apart which makes things easier with a baby. When the 2nd one came along my oldest was already potty trained, played well on his own for short periods and could feed himself simple snacks. Honestly as far as being active, it was no different than the 1st child. You can get sitters for the baby or bring along a grandparent. Really as far as being a family is concerned there is just more joy and fun! If you are feeling unsure, give it time, you're still young!

if you are financially ready you should go for it!your son would have a sibling and that would make the house even happier,when i was little i had a cousin that was an only child,sure she was very spoiled was envious of us because i had a brother and a sister.she never got the experience to know what it would be like to share secrets with her sister or even get bullied by her brother,and many many times she felt alone hey bill Cosby has even said that you are not a real parent unless you have at least to kids,because you wont get to experience the fighting or have the tattling or have the one blame something on the other.you have to ask your self if you are content with just one child? me personally i have four and at times i would like to pull my hair out and lock myself in a closet but in the end we have a big family and we are never lonely good luck i hoped that helped

Think of that feeling that you had when you held your first child for the first time? Wouldn't you like to have that feeling all over again? I think you should have another child, if you are able to support them properly and give them the life they diserve, have them because some couples arent as fortunate as yourself and cannot ever experience having and raising their own children. Think of the many possibilities in life you could be creating with another child? Doctor? Lawyer? Who knows. You can never regret having a child as long as you do the best you can to bring them up.

I have two daughters who are 26 months apart. I can't say enough about little ones having siblings. My sister and I are 9 years apart. We're close, but not like we would have been if we were closer in age. But my two daughters do everything together. My oldest helps her sister out, reads to her, helps her get dressed, etc. When I had my second daughter I felt like we were a family with that one more child.

I have 2 children ones 4 and the other 1 i realise now i should have had my second sooner! I desided to have a second child because i was around a lot of children that were the"only child" and they had imaginary friends and played like they were so lonely..And he/She wouldn't hold you back my family is very active as well there's always ways around that keep a stroller handy..

I know that I just adore my son so much that it makes me want another one. (Not saying that you don't or anything) I love being a mother to him despite how hard it is sometimes. But I think that is the main thing for me, when what you have is so lovely, how could you not want another one?

I also, don't want an 'only child'. Nothing bad or wrong with it, but siblings are a great way for your kids to build relationships.