Jenny Evans is a mother of six, and she’s well aware that it’s quite a large family. Despite this, she frequently encounters questions from both friends and strangers that make it seem as though she hasn’t fully considered her decision.
“One question I often face as a mom of six is, ‘Why do you have so many kids?'” Evans remarks.
Research suggests that most Americans believe having two or three children is ideal, making the idea of six children seem extraordinary to many. This often leads people to feel a sense of entitlement to an explanation, which Evans finds tiresome.
In a humorous video shared on her Facebook page, Evans addresses this question with the satirical approach it deserves. The video, which has gained widespread attention, features Evans playfully pretending to ponder, “That's a good question. Why do I have so many kids?”
She then humorously lists outlandish reasons she might give to curious strangers, adding a touch of comedy to the situation.
Towards the end of the video, Evans reveals her genuine reason for having six children. “It's because I like them,” she explains.
In an interview with ABC News, Evans shared her perspective: “We never had a specific number in mind or made a deliberate decision to have a large family. We simply made room for one more whenever we felt ready. Welcoming a new baby and seeing how relationships within the family evolve is incredibly rewarding. I never tire of it.”
As Americans are increasingly having fewer children, concerns about overpopulation and resource strain are often misplaced when directed at individual families. It’s important not to judge or question those with larger families while simultaneously stigmatizing those who choose to have fewer or none.
Evans' video serves as a light-hearted reminder to respect each person's choices regarding family size. Whether one decides to have no children, a few, or many, the key takeaway is that family decisions should be personal and not subject to external scrutiny.