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You Have How Many Kids?

Bill and Vicki T
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Creative Commons

When I was a child in the 1960's, it was not uncommon to have friends with 5 or 6 siblings. I was one of 4.

But, times have changed. For all sorts of reasons - economic, work, personal preference, religion - the majority of parents are having fewer children today than was common in the previous generation. And, as family size has decreased, societal attitudes about larger families have become increasingly negative.  The usual reaction goes something like this: "Why would you want to have so many kids?" Or, people might not ask at all and assume insanity or religious zealotry. 

While the overall trend in family size has decreased since the mid-70's for most demographic groups, a recent report by the Pew Research Center on Social and Demographic Trends says family size is growing among highly educated women. We'll take a look behind that.

Guest host Mark Oppenheimer talks to a few parents of large families about the challenges - and joys - of raising lots of kids in 2015.

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Betsy started as an intern at WNPR in 2011 after earning a Master's Degree in American and Museum Studies from Trinity College. She served as the Senior Producer for 'The Colin McEnroe Show' for several years before stepping down in 2021 and returning to her previous career as a registered nurse. She still produces shows with Colin and the team when her schedule allows.

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