To have a second child or not? That is a big question
To have a second child or not, that is a big question for Chinese couples. Some families have already started to make preparations for a second child. Some have decided to have only one. And some others are still struggling in making a decision. Here are some family debates in southwest China's Chengdu on the issue.
Xiong Ying is 40-year-old. Her husband is 42.
The couple decided to have another child after learning of the second-child policy.
"I think two children are better. The only child is too selfish. Because there is only one in the family, the four grandparents, and dad and mom are all focusing on him. There is too much attention for him. I hope he can have a little brother or sister to grow up together with him," Xiong Ying said.
Xiong's husband is in the army.
So they have to rely on her parents to help raise a second child.
"I totally agree with the idea. I've been thinking about it. Because it was hard when we helped to raise this boy when he was small. It was hard. But we have a lot of joy, too," said Xiong Ying's father.
The boy is now 8, and is in second grade. His opinion is also important. The family members soon reached the agreement to have a second child. But the debate is hard in Huang Xiaoli's family.
First, the 4-year-old daughter is against the idea.
"Our bed is too crowded. It will be more crowded if the family has another child," said daughter of Huang Xiaoli.
Huang and her husband run a fruit store in Chengdu. They have been living with her parents since they got married.
"The family will be more lively, if we can have one more grandchild," said Huang Xiaoli's mother.
But Huang's father doesn't think that's reason enough.
"I think young people should start their own business and make money. One child is enough. Another one would be a burden. Especially when they need to go to school, and find a job when they grow up. I think it's too much trouble," said Huang Xiaoli's father.
The young couple would like to have another child.
Huang is an only child herself. She says she feels the pressure of having to look after her parents.
"It will be harder for us now to have another child. But I think two children can have less pressure looking after us when we are old," said Huang Xiaoli.
"We want another kid. Pressure could make us more motivated," said Huang Xiaoli's husband.
