The blessings and benefits of small families

From Abraham to Elizabeth, Scripture shows us that families of every size matter. Kate Orson argues that Christian parents can celebrate the unique joy and calling of raising just one child

For an alternative perspective see here.

Being a family with one child can feel like a bit of an anomaly in the church. As Adam and Eve were told to ‘be fruitful and multiply,’ so in the church having one child can be seen as unusual. Single child families can feel like the odd family out when surrounded by those with multiple kids.

I came to faith later in life when my daughter was ten, and the way I’d lived before that affected my health and my finances. Having one child seemed like the sensible choice at the time. As a writer, I’d read about literary couples who had one child, and I also became enamoured with the idea that this was the best option for someone like me who wanted to be a parent but still have time for writing. While that’s been the case, my decision wasn’t made with God in the picture. If I’d been a believer back then, I’d have made many different choices, and I’m pretty sure I’d think differently about having more children.

There are some amazing examples of one child families in the Bible

Sometimes when my thoughts wander into regret, I am reminded that the Bible doesn’t consist of ……