In many countries, the average family is becoming considerably smaller than in the past, with couples now raising one or two children rather than several. In my opinion, this is on balance a positive development, although it is not without drawbacks.
There are strong reasons to welcome smaller families. Above all, when parents have fewer children, they can devote more time, attention and money to each one, allowing the children to receive a better education and superior health care and thus enjoy brighter prospects. Smaller families also place less strain on the environment and the economy, since a slower-growing population consumes fewer natural resources. Furthermore, women in particular benefit, for they are no longer obliged to spend their entire adult lives raising large numbers of children and are freer to pursue careers and personal ambitions.
There are, admittedly, some negative consequences. As families shrink, national populations tend to age, and in time there may be too few young workers to support a large elderly population, placing pressure on pensions and healthcare. Only children may also, in some cases, feel lonely without the companionship of siblings, and may find it harder to learn how to share and cooperate with others of their own age.
In my opinion, however, the advantages clearly outweigh these concerns, since the quality of life enjoyed by both children and parents generally improves. Overall, although the trend towards smaller families does create certain long-term challenges, I regard it as a predominantly positive development for families and societies alike.