No Child Left Behind: Can Having a Big Family Harm Your Children?

9.  Two words: Social Security

Historically women had more children because mortality rates were high meaning if you had ten kids, there was a good chance at least four of them would live into adulthood and be able to care for you in your golden years.  Many cultures still abide by this reasoning, and in a world where Social Security is quickly becoming a myth of the past for most, many parents can only hope that they will have one or two kids who can support them in their older years when they are unable to work. Should your retirement be the only reason you decide to pro-create?  No, but there is a sense of comfort in knowing that if one child is unable to support you for whatever reason, you have two or three more that could.

Were you raised in a large family?  What were some of the pros and cons?

Toya Sharee is a community health educator and parenting education coordinator who has a passion for helping young women build their self-esteem and make well-informed choices about their sexual health. She also advocates for women’s reproductive rights and blogs about everything from beauty to love and relationships. Follow her on Twitter @TheTrueTSharee.

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