If I could have planned my family, I would have liked at least four children, seven at the most. I picture me and my husband being really old, at Christmas, with much family around, as we sit by the fireplace. Our children have children, and some of them have children. I rest in my heart knowing that my children can share the physical and financial burden of taking care of their parents in their old age, so that it's not hard on one.
And they also have children who will not be over burdened taking care of them when they get old. With many siblings, they have someone who will always be there for them. This world is tough enough- emotionally, financially, physically- and by giving them more siblings to help in times of need, they'll have an easier life, filled with more love.
I've given birthday parties for my child, and only the two of us were there. My kids are 12 years apart, so it's like each one was an only child. And both of them shead tears about it. They both asked me why I can't just meet a guy so they can have a dad and siblings. My son was seven, on a park swing when we talked, and I said "You know, even if I was pregnant right now, the child wouldn't be your age." Silent tears rolled down his little face and broke my heart.
In third grade my daughter won an award, not from the school, but from the state of Michigan. I was the only family at her award ceremony. A few from Church came, and that helped. But in my experience, there has always been sadness in my family's low number count.
You shouldn't have kids if you can't take care of them! But if the only consideration is how many, my advice to you is not to have an only child, give them some sibling(s), and put some more good, loving, chilristian people in this world.
"Your children will be like shoots around your table."