Missy... I have 5 children and have been involved (either actively or passively, depending on how aggressive those in the discussion are) in several conversations around this. They are fascinating to listen to and I have heard many pros and cons around large families.

I have also been stunned at some of the family-size propaganda that comes to this country via American kids cartoons (cue "Captain Planet" which my children loved when they were younger and so did I for its environmental messages... telling my children at the end of one episode that 1-2 children was ok, but to have more is irresponsible).

Here's my perspective on this one

My kids are educated, enviornmentally aware, considerate contributers. So I do not feel the need to justify them, or my decision to have them. They will be assessts to this planet.

My feeling is that not everyone will have big families, not everyone always has kids! My teenagers first carreer paths are looking like this - nearly 19 wants to be a journalist and a writer and wants to document lifestyles and changes around the world... my almost 18 wants to work in fitness and get more people cycling and walking and making healthy food and lifestyle choices... my just 16 is intent on the sciences, and is thinking he would like to research something in terms of efficient and earth friendly fuels....

They grow food (vegies and fruit) to eat, they are already in the habit of recycling, all three have there drivers licences but none own a car, or want to own a car and they tend to walk, bike, or get a lift with someone else. When they eventually move away from us and into a town I am guessing they will use public transporrt.

My children will give back to this wonderful earth so much more than many take... and I really believe if we could just get our lifestyles and greed sorted, this arguament would not be an issue.

However of course, what comes into play is what Missy has mentioned - not all people/countries on this planet are working on the same principles or with the same motivation...

I heard on the radio yesterday that Japanese fisheries took 1200 minkes from NZ waters for research purposes... research???? Yeah right... Of course there is the clearing of rainforest for cattle in South America which just breaks my heart... so many things around the world... how can we ever get it together?