SIZE OF N.Z. FAMILIES

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30044, 31 January 1963, Page 10

SIZE OF N.Z. FAMILIES

“Should Be 3 At Least”

There should be at least three chtidren in every New Zealand family, Dr. Eleanor Meara, medical secretary of the British Family Planning Association, said in Christchurch yesterday.

"Life in New Zealand is geared to having children,*’ said Dr. Mears. “You have plenty of space for them, and quite rightly your Government encourages biggish families.

■•I think that, where biology allows, there should be at least three or four m every New Zealand family. “I can't go further than that, because I have only three of my own,** she added. “A solitary child is to be pitted. It is much better to learn to give and take then to be the sole object of affection.

“A family of two is ‘too perfect.' It does not allow tor the tensions which so often spring up in larger families, because the children usually attach themsehres one to either parent, and there is every prospect of complete harmony. "Family tensions are very valuable in the formation of character, as they help the children grow up much more emotionally mature. Where they have been used from early childhood to facing up to competitions and jealousies they make necessary adjustments much more easily when faced with similar situations in adult life,” Dr. Mears said.