What Is the Best Amount of Kids to Have? The Honest Truth

The “perfect” number of children doesn’t exist (but let’s explore)

Let’s be real — there’s no magic formula. What works for one family might drive another totally nuts. Still, people keep asking: What’s the best number of kids to have? And yeah, it’s a fair question, especially when you’re stuck between wanting a peaceful dinner table or dreaming of a full-blown family soccer team.

Turns out, science, economics, and real-life stories all have something to say about this.

One child: peace, focus… but is it too quiet?

The perks of a one-kid household

With one child, you can often dedicate more time, money, and energy. Family trips are easier. You can fit in a regular car. No sibling rivalry to manage (hallelujah). Plus, studies show only children can develop excellent verbal skills, high self-esteem, and stronger bonds with parents.

A friend of mine (Emily, a graphic designer from Austin) told me once, "I’ve only got Zoe, and honestly, I love that we can afford private school and still do road trips." Fair point.

The challenges

That said, some parents worry about loneliness or pressure. That single child may feel like all eyes are on them, all the time (not always a good thing). And yeah, no built-in playmate.

Two kids: the “ideal” many people aim for

Balance of chaos and calm?

Two is often seen as the golden middle. You get companionship for the kids but can still maintain your sanity (sort of). It's also manageable financially — diapers, daycare, college savings… it adds up fast.

Sibling bonding can be beautiful. Or brutal. Sometimes both in the same hour.

Double trouble?

Twice the kids = twice the mess, noise, and emotional complexity. And the moment they start ganging up on you? Brutal. Still, many parents say two kids feel just right. Enough for dynamics, not so many you forget their names.

Three or more: big family energy

Community at home

Some people swear by larger families. With three or more kids, your house feels like its own tiny society. The kids learn teamwork, negotiation, and sharing like pros (or at least they better). Holidays feel magical — like actual events.

And you, as a parent, get more chances to relax into the role. By kid #3, you're no longer panicking over dropped pacifiers or mismatched socks. You’ve evolved.

The reality check

But let's not sugarcoat it: more kids means more everything — more groceries, more laundry, more fights, more car seats. And way less personal time.

Oh, and try finding a hotel room for 5+ people that doesn't cost a fortune. Good luck.

What research says (spoiler: it’s not definitive)

Some studies suggest parents of two kids report the highest life satisfaction, especially in Western countries. Others argue three children brings more joy — once the initial chaos settles.

But here's the kicker: parents' happiness often depends less on the number of kids and more on their expectations, support systems, and financial stability.

So yeah… it’s complicated.

Other factors to consider

Finances, lifestyle, and mental load

Raising a child in the U.S., for example, can cost over $230,000 by age 18 (and that’s not counting college). More kids = more budget stress. Also, consider space — both in your house and in your daily schedule.

And let’s not ignore emotional bandwidth. Even the most loving parents have limits. No shame in admitting that.

Cultural and personal values

In some cultures, having four or more kids is totally normal — even expected. In others, people raise an eyebrow at more than two. What feels “best” might depend on where (and how) you grew up.

Conclusion: best number of kids? It's your call.

In the end, the best number of kids to have is the one that fits your heart, your lifestyle, your sanity. One, two, five, or none — there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

So ask yourself: What kind of life do I want? What kind of parent do I want to be? And how much mess can I actually handle?

Because let’s be honest: parenting is never easy — but it can be absolutely worth it, no matter how many little humans you bring into the mix.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.