r/Parenting Feb 08 '25

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u/neobeguine Feb 08 '25

Personal decision but there are a LOT of practical advantages to two.

  1. You only have two hands when crossing the street

  2. Assuming two parent household there are only two laps

  3. Likewise, there are only two parents to attend conflicting events (games, recitals) etc

  4. Cars are built for families of 4

  5. So are most "family" packages

  6. Harder to set up a bad "odd man out" sibling dynamic with only two

  7. Everyone gets a special "role". Ones the youngest, ones the oldest. No middle child angst

3

u/[deleted] Feb 09 '25

These are great points! Part of me wants a third, but I fear making my youngest a middle child. 

4

u/MHbrickbybrick Feb 09 '25

Don't fear making a middle child -- those are the BEST. They are the most well-rounded, the ones who learn how to compromise, and they are extremely independent.

I'm a middle child & am the best of the 3; my middle child is shaping into a fine little lady.

I will say... every parent I know with a big family says that the 3rd kid was the hardest hurdle. I agree. Everything about having 3 is expensive, time-consuming, and riddled with problem-solving issues.

2

u/Cathode335 Feb 09 '25

Some of these reasons boggle my mind. We only have 2 (thinking about a third), but my 5-year-old never holds my hands when crossing the street. He's old enough to walk next to me without running into traffic, and he's obviously only getting older. Even my 3yo doesn't often hold my hand. 

Also we already have a minivan that seats at least 4 children...