OK, all you NFP users out there…I need your help. I’m writing the cover story for CCL’s Family Foundations’ March-April issue on “Responsible Parenthood,” and I need stories.
- Are you someone who came to understand responsible parenthood, and that understanding radically shifted your family planning and parenting?
- How do you know it’s time for another child? What factors play into the decision?
- Does the recession affect our idea of what “responsible parenthood” means?
- Are you someone who decided that “responsible parenthood” means you are callled *not* to have another child? How did you make that decision? How did you feel reaching that conclusion? Do you catch flak from friends who are pro-big-family?
I’m looking for stories from young couples, couples with grown kids, grandparents–the whole spectrum. If you’re comfortable sharing publicly, leave me a comment; if not, email me at ckbasi@yahoo.com.
Kathleen M. Basi 
For us, responsible parenthood was waiting until our kids were older than I would have liked for us to have another child. We couldn’t be good parents while working crazily just to keep up financially (if we had added one more to the mix earlier than we did).
I also think (my attitude has changed recently on this) that there is sometimes something to be said for waiting. I always thought it was a selfish decision to wait to have kids. And though I wouldn’t change our decision, if by waiting, you can stabilize yourself financially so that mom can stay home with the kids (if that is the desire), then I think it is a wise move.
I had three children within 3.5 yrs and both dh and I felt our family was complete. Then a few years passed and we felt called to have another 1 or 2. We had 1 and thought we knew when the best time would be to have another but God surprised us and we had #5 earlier than expected.
About 7 mos later we moved overseas and I felt into a depression and ended up on Rx since the only other answer anyone would give me was to put my children in school (as if being home with only an infant and toddler was going to solve the issue). I was on the Rx for about 4-5 yrs…. by then I was over 40 yrs old…. my dh and I don’t feel comfortable looking to have another at our age. WE feel the health risks to both baby and myself are too great….
feel free to email me if you have any specific questions… I am a CCL member
This is great! It’s getting late today, but I’ll email you with more specific questions tomorrow. Thanks for sharing!
Did you try posting this message on the Facebook NFP group? I’ll post it on my blog, but I would also try the Christan Family Planning Group, and perhaps calling your local Family Life Diocesan office to see if they have recommendations for people to interview.
I got what I needed this time, actually–thanks though!