Well, my attitude is those who are great parents should have as many kids as they want and can have. Good parents are a joy to see and their kids are a blessing.
But it’s like not everyone is going to raise a decent human, and those who can’t should be encouraged not to have children.
IOW, When I see large families like the Duggars, I think “They raised the great kids I would have messed up! YES!”
And good parents are few and far between. I have more friends who seem to do all the wrong things, when they do anything at all. I don't mind misbehavior and tantrums. I mind when the parent ignores all the signs that a tantrum is coming, and then rewards it when it happens because that's the fastest way to shut the kid up and make it go away.
And I try to befriend their kids, but I sortof resent their attention starved children glomming on to me because I might give them the time of day.
I've got some friends who are terrific parents. And it's not that they intended to be great parents, some didn't plan on being parents at all... but when they were, they stepped up to the plate and said "this is my life now", not "well, this is a damn inconvenience". Attitude and investment in the outcome, not just the 'getting through it' makes all the difference in the world.
I don't have kids... and I happen to think I'd be a great parent. It just didn't work out that way for me, and even now that I'm finally married, we just don't think it's what we want to do. I'm forty now. We have a life that's working, and plenty of refugee pets to nurture. Somebody has to do it.
Personally, I don't mourn that there are fewer kids. The place is getting crowded. Traffic on the freeway indicates to me there's plenty of people left. We are not endangered. :~)
Yes, FReepers are a judgmental lot. Even the minority view ;~)