Each one of us puts pressure on the natural world, consumes the Earth’s finite resources and contributes to climate change. One of the most effective ways that we can help our planet today is by choosing to have a smaller family.

WHAT’s a small family?

That’s up to you. We know that if people have two children or less, that helps to reverse population growth – and that is the choice of most people in high income countries from the UK to Korea. But people must make their own choice, of course.

Having fewer brings many benefits.

Happy Adults

We love them, but we know that children demand a lot of time, attention and love.

If you choose to remain childfree, you will have more freedom, including (if you choose) to do other things to help protect the planet or help others.

We spoke to parents and non-parents about the benefits of choosing a smaller family: 

Family Talk: Gregory, UK

Having one child means that there is time for us as a couple as well as our children.We are able to give our child more in terms of time than we would be able to if we had more children and the bond between the three of us often draws comment. We are able to afford to buy more sustainable foods and fuels.

Family Talk: Becca, Wales

I’ve got two hands and so even if it is just me with them, I’ve always been able to keep them safe and close. There’s enough time in the week for them to have their own interests and for me to take them to the activities that they want to do, and still have time for myself.

Family Talk: Asha, USA

While I absolutely love children, I decided not to have my own. Not having children is the biggest gift I can give to ensure the existence of wildlife and our beautiful planet Earth. In addition, I can live my life to the max without fear or reservation.

Join the Global Small Family!

Join the growing family of people around the world who believe that #ChoiceMatters and who have committed to planning for a small family size and empowering others to have the same freedom of choice. Sign and share our Choice Manifesto today!

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Happy Children

Children in small families can do better. While family dynamics vary hugely and kids grow up happy in families of all sizes, your children might benefit from greater attention and the opportunities that arise from fewer siblings. They can learn social skills and understanding from spending more time with children from other families and from being involved in adult activities. They can be more self-sufficient, mature and well-behaved. 

Children can reap the benefits of life in a smaller family:

I did not have to share my parents with siblings. I had endless love, plants to grow, pets to care for, family to visit, and plenty of space to roam.  I learned early on to find the silence and solitude that brings you close to nature. With only one child my parents could pay for an excellent education.

Melinda, UK

I come from a long line of small families. I have one brother. My parents were able to give my brother and I a top class education, and personal care, despite the family not being wealthy. I plan to do the same for my daughter.

Ian, South Africa

With a small family there is time to make bonds strong enough to last a lifetime. When the boys were little and I was out alone with them they could both hold my hand. At home there was room for both of them on my knee at the same time. Out as a family both could have a piggy-back.

Sara, UK

Did you know… 

The French say “l’enfant unique”, or one-of-a-kind child instead of “only child”!

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Happy Planet

Choosing a smaller family is also one of the kindest things that you can do for the Earth. A 2017 study suggested that the single most effective measure any individual in the developed world may be able to take to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions over the long-term is to have one fewer child.

My husband and I made the decision to stop after our first child was born because in countries like Australia the impact of each child on the environment is especially large.

Vanessa, Australia

My wife and I both work full time, so we wanted what spare time we do have with our daughter to be quality time. In addition, we’re both aware of the extreme environmental challenges faced by our planet and wanted to be part of a responsible collective that mitigates this impact by having a small family.

Simon, UK

Did you know?

Today in the UK, smaller families are the most common, with 37% of families having two children, and 36% having either no children or one child. If you make the choice to have a smaller family, you will be joining a large community of like-minded individuals.  

Families are about love. They can, and should, be influenced by many things – including love and respect for the planet we live on and those we share it with. You should be empowered to choose your own family size, and the choice of whether or not to have children, and how many, is yours. 

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