Big families

They seem a lovely family but when the older children are asked they all say they would never have a big family. I am sure the children must feel neglected at times with so many of them .

A friend of mine, back in the 1970s was only intending to have one child, to help save the planet from overpopulation, but then her health visitor told her that her only child would surely want to have a larger family when she grew up so they decided to have another baby. Very odd reasoning but maybe some logic to it.

I asked a Chinese student about the situation there. It has been greatly relaxed and although she is an only child, she would be able to have more than one now, but she said she didn't want to have any children! She was enjoying the freedom to study and travel and have a life of her choice.

I just can't begin to imagine why the Radfords want to perpetuate a life of never ending drudgery. I completely accept that this is there choice but can't help wondering, do they not see a life for themselves outside of nappies, bottles, washing and cooking?

I think the next programme about them will show them going to Australia for a month to visit relatives.

I am intrigued as to the state of her pelvic floor - mine was shot after 3!

Indeed Luckygirl I was thinking something similar! 12 minute labour. Perhaps that's the answer.

I'm sure your children are all valuable members of society, but are they really going to look after elderly people in the third world?

Not that that has any bearing on why you had them or their value as individuals, but it seems an odd thing to say.

Just think of all those odd socks, party invites, cookery lessons, dressing up as Roman soldiers..

There are very few big families in the UK - so not much of a problem. We had, and supported, four (quite enough for me) but then my brother didn't have any.

Are we going to disapprove of other drains on our services. People who drink, smoke, overeat, under-exercise, do dangerous sports, drive too fast, live too long etc. etc.?

There is no suggestion that this family will be a drain on anything, though. When they are growing up it will be difficult to support them, but as adults there is no reason to assume that they won't contribute to society, is there?