There is anincreasing trend around the world to have a small family rather than a large family. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of having a small family rather than a large family?

Traditions and customs are in a state of flux nowadays.

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result of these cultural upheavals is that parents in many countries are now choosing to have fewer children than in the past. In

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essay, I will examine what I consider to be the main advantages and potential drawbacks, from both children’s and parents’ perspectives, of having smaller families. The benefits of having only

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or two children are obvious. On a very basic level, a smaller family means more money and more time together. Whereas parents with many children tend to spend their days juggling school drop-offs, and extracurricular activities, not to mention work and running a home, those with only

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or two have far fewer demands on their time and wallets. From the child’s point of view too, if they are an only child or have just

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sibling, they will receive more attention and emotional support than if they were battling with five of six others.

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attention can have long-term benefits not just for their self-esteem, but in their academic and professional life too. Despite these positives, many people still consider a small family problematic. From the parents’ viewpoint, there may be

concern

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a concern

for their own welfare in old age. Indeed, there is a risk when a couple has no children or only

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, that there will be nobody to care for them when they retire or become old and frail. In my country,

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people will often end up in state-owned aged care facilities, which can be less than luxurious.

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to

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practical matter, some people

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feel that by having only

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child, parents are creating selfish

ego-maniacs

an abnormally egotistical person

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. Rather than benefiting from

parents’ attention

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the parents’ attention

as mentioned above, these youngsters can be over-parented and, some would argue, grow up spoiled and entitled. In conclusion,

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families are getting smaller in general, whether

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is positive or not depends on the individual. Personally, while I can acknowledge the potential problems, I feel that smaller families are ultimately better off.