The Atlantic

Dear Therapist: I Want a Second Kid. My Husband Doesn't.

How should we decide how many children are right for our family?
Source: The Atlantic

Editor’s Note: Every Monday, Lori Gottlieb answers questions from readers about their problems, big and small. Have a question? Email her at dear.therapist@theatlantic.com.

Dear Therapist,

My husband and I have been married for six years and have a 1-year-old daughter. Before we got married, we agreed that we’d like two children. Recently my husband has been saying that he only wants one child. His reasoning is we can afford a better life with just one and he thinks he will be more stressed at work supporting two kids. He also thinks our daughter is a handful as it is.

While I am so grateful to even have one child, I know I’ll be very sad and disappointed to not have another. I would like for my daughter to

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