Best to Worst Combinations of Children
Guess How We Ranked?

A friend of mine posted this link to an article on Facebook, yesterday, stating, “Want to be happy? have two daughters,” and, seeing as three out of four of my kids are, you know, hormonally-enthused (ahem) my first thought was, WOW, we must rank pretty-gosh-darned-high, for once, dagnabit.

Apparently, we do, in the worst possible way:

“BEST” TO “WORST” COMBINATIONS OF CHILDREN

  1. Two girls
  2. One boy and one girl
  3. Two boys
  4. Three girls
  5. Three boys
  6. Four boys
  7. Two girls and one boy
  8. Two boys and one girl
  9. Three boys and one girl
  10. Three girls and one boy <— WHOO-HOO, THIS IS US!!!
  11. Two boys and two girls
  12. Four girls

Of course, results are highly subjective, however, I was relieved to learn that parents, with four children of ANY gender, in general, found it harder, with meal times, mornings and the bedtime routines stated as being more difficult.

Well…DUH!…and I mean that in the most subjective way possible.

Long story, short (I know, too late, still) it brought to mind a pretty funny thing that happened with my son, the other night.

He was sort of annoyed with his sisters (no surprise there, right?) then, had a HUGE mental blow out with his dad and me (see last parenthesis) ran up to his bedroom and this is the part where he would have SLAMMED the door…if he had one.

Instead, he came back downstairs looking for…wait for it…A HAMMER!

[eyes go wide]

“Or, do you think this would break open if I bashed it on the ground?”

Apparently, he was rummaging through his stuff, found his old ATM-style-coin-bank-type-thingies and, well, I was just sort of happy he didn’t choose something a little more, you know, bashable.

“I’ll get it open for you.”

Because, I happen to come from a family of 2 kids (one boy, one girl) and can handle stuff like this better than my husband, Garth (not his real name) who has 4 siblings, which, does NOT even rank on the charts…understandably.

Also, my father was the king of “let’s just jimmy this sucker open!”

“But, I lost the combination!”

Having also inherited our habit of, you know, losing keys.

“Hand mommy that screwdriver, over there, would ya’?”

Broken Safe After a few minutes, I was able to get it open (after taking out the batteries, in order to kill…I mean…quiet the stupid alarm, of course) I then sat back and watched, quietly, with extreme prejudice, not saying a word, as my son carefully extracted its contents:

* One G.I. Joe figure
* Two quarters 
* One stretchy man
* One Junior D.A.R.E. badge
* A picture of his 2nd grade class trip to Sandy Hook

That last one helped us date these treasures and I half-expected my 12 year-old to go all boyteen, on me, or something.

“You know, I can’t believe I thought any of this stuff would be SO important to me!”

Me. Still. Not. Saying. A. Word.

“Boy, was I stupid!”

Morale of the Story:  2 out of 3, 3 out of 4, whatever, one day, it just won’t matter as much, oh, and in this house, we don’t need no stinkin’ combinations, either!

Or, something like that.

“You should really blog about this, mom!”

Really?  Can I?

“Yeah, so I can read it, for the next time I get MAD AT YOU for NOT HAVING any MORE BOYS!”

I rest my case!!!

© 2003 – 2011 This Full House

Comments

112 responses to “Best to Worst Combinations of Children
Guess How We Ranked?”

  1. Headless Mom Avatar

    We’re 8th on the list. And no, more boys/less girls ISN’T the reason we’re happier. I think it’s just one less kid/college to worry about.
    Poor G. Just send him here. There’s plenty of testosterone in this house.

  2. Headless Mom Avatar

    We’re 8th on the list. And no, more boys/less girls ISN’T the reason we’re happier. I think it’s just one less kid/college to worry about.
    Poor G. Just send him here. There’s plenty of testosterone in this house.

  3. Headless Mom Avatar

    We’re 8th on the list. And no, more boys/less girls ISN’T the reason we’re happier. I think it’s just one less kid/college to worry about.
    Poor G. Just send him here. There’s plenty of testosterone in this house.

  4. Headless Mom Avatar

    We’re 8th on the list. And no, more boys/less girls ISN’T the reason we’re happier. I think it’s just one less kid/college to worry about.
    Poor G. Just send him here. There’s plenty of testosterone in this house.

  5. Headless Mom Avatar

    We’re 8th on the list. And no, more boys/less girls ISN’T the reason we’re happier. I think it’s just one less kid/college to worry about.
    Poor G. Just send him here. There’s plenty of testosterone in this house.

  6. Headless Mom Avatar

    We’re 8th on the list. And no, more boys/less girls ISN’T the reason we’re happier. I think it’s just one less kid/college to worry about.
    Poor G. Just send him here. There’s plenty of testosterone in this house.

  7. Headless Mom Avatar

    We’re 8th on the list. And no, more boys/less girls ISN’T the reason we’re happier. I think it’s just one less kid/college to worry about.
    Poor G. Just send him here. There’s plenty of testosterone in this house.

  8. newbuffalomom Avatar

    We are #9 on the list. The girl was born first. Which means this fall when she leaves for college, I WILL BE ALONE IN THIS HOUSE WITH 4 MALES! (sorry about the caps, but geeeeeeeez.)
    As a side note, I had 4 brothers, no sisters.
    My dear husband had 4 sisters, no brothers.
    We were made for each other. 🙂

  9. newbuffalomom Avatar

    We are #9 on the list. The girl was born first. Which means this fall when she leaves for college, I WILL BE ALONE IN THIS HOUSE WITH 4 MALES! (sorry about the caps, but geeeeeeeez.)
    As a side note, I had 4 brothers, no sisters.
    My dear husband had 4 sisters, no brothers.
    We were made for each other. 🙂

  10. newbuffalomom Avatar

    We are #9 on the list. The girl was born first. Which means this fall when she leaves for college, I WILL BE ALONE IN THIS HOUSE WITH 4 MALES! (sorry about the caps, but geeeeeeeez.)
    As a side note, I had 4 brothers, no sisters.
    My dear husband had 4 sisters, no brothers.
    We were made for each other. 🙂

  11. newbuffalomom Avatar

    We are #9 on the list. The girl was born first. Which means this fall when she leaves for college, I WILL BE ALONE IN THIS HOUSE WITH 4 MALES! (sorry about the caps, but geeeeeeeez.)
    As a side note, I had 4 brothers, no sisters.
    My dear husband had 4 sisters, no brothers.
    We were made for each other. 🙂

  12. newbuffalomom Avatar

    We are #9 on the list. The girl was born first. Which means this fall when she leaves for college, I WILL BE ALONE IN THIS HOUSE WITH 4 MALES! (sorry about the caps, but geeeeeeeez.)
    As a side note, I had 4 brothers, no sisters.
    My dear husband had 4 sisters, no brothers.
    We were made for each other. 🙂

  13. newbuffalomom Avatar

    We are #9 on the list. The girl was born first. Which means this fall when she leaves for college, I WILL BE ALONE IN THIS HOUSE WITH 4 MALES! (sorry about the caps, but geeeeeeeez.)
    As a side note, I had 4 brothers, no sisters.
    My dear husband had 4 sisters, no brothers.
    We were made for each other. 🙂

  14. newbuffalomom Avatar

    We are #9 on the list. The girl was born first. Which means this fall when she leaves for college, I WILL BE ALONE IN THIS HOUSE WITH 4 MALES! (sorry about the caps, but geeeeeeeez.)
    As a side note, I had 4 brothers, no sisters.
    My dear husband had 4 sisters, no brothers.
    We were made for each other. 🙂

  15. Heather Avatar

    what a strange article. curt and i want three kids but we don’t care what gender they are, as long as i get ONE girl, i am happy. 🙂

  16. Heather Avatar

    what a strange article. curt and i want three kids but we don’t care what gender they are, as long as i get ONE girl, i am happy. 🙂

  17. Heather Avatar

    what a strange article. curt and i want three kids but we don’t care what gender they are, as long as i get ONE girl, i am happy. 🙂

  18. Heather Avatar

    what a strange article. curt and i want three kids but we don’t care what gender they are, as long as i get ONE girl, i am happy. 🙂

  19. Heather Avatar

    what a strange article. curt and i want three kids but we don’t care what gender they are, as long as i get ONE girl, i am happy. 🙂

  20. Heather Avatar

    what a strange article. curt and i want three kids but we don’t care what gender they are, as long as i get ONE girl, i am happy. 🙂

  21. Heather Avatar

    what a strange article. curt and i want three kids but we don’t care what gender they are, as long as i get ONE girl, i am happy. 🙂

  22. SurprisedMom Avatar

    Okay, a list I ranked number one on. Yes, two girls. What? I was relieved they were girls only because I didn’t have any brothers, only five sisters. And as you can tell, no sons, either. I don’t know what I would do with a boy. 🙂

  23. SurprisedMom Avatar

    Okay, a list I ranked number one on. Yes, two girls. What? I was relieved they were girls only because I didn’t have any brothers, only five sisters. And as you can tell, no sons, either. I don’t know what I would do with a boy. 🙂

  24. SurprisedMom Avatar

    Okay, a list I ranked number one on. Yes, two girls. What? I was relieved they were girls only because I didn’t have any brothers, only five sisters. And as you can tell, no sons, either. I don’t know what I would do with a boy. 🙂

  25. SurprisedMom Avatar

    Okay, a list I ranked number one on. Yes, two girls. What? I was relieved they were girls only because I didn’t have any brothers, only five sisters. And as you can tell, no sons, either. I don’t know what I would do with a boy. 🙂

  26. SurprisedMom Avatar

    Okay, a list I ranked number one on. Yes, two girls. What? I was relieved they were girls only because I didn’t have any brothers, only five sisters. And as you can tell, no sons, either. I don’t know what I would do with a boy. 🙂

  27. SurprisedMom Avatar

    Okay, a list I ranked number one on. Yes, two girls. What? I was relieved they were girls only because I didn’t have any brothers, only five sisters. And as you can tell, no sons, either. I don’t know what I would do with a boy. 🙂

  28. SurprisedMom Avatar

    Okay, a list I ranked number one on. Yes, two girls. What? I was relieved they were girls only because I didn’t have any brothers, only five sisters. And as you can tell, no sons, either. I don’t know what I would do with a boy. 🙂

  29. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Heh, I know what you mean, sometimes I don't know what to do with my son…either 😉

  30. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Heh, I know what you mean, sometimes I don't know what to do with my son…either 😉

  31. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Heh, I know what you mean, sometimes I don't know what to do with my son…either 😉

  32. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Heh, I know what you mean, sometimes I don't know what to do with my son…either 😉

  33. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Heh, I know what you mean, sometimes I don't know what to do with my son…either 😉

  34. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Heh, I know what you mean, sometimes I don't know what to do with my son…either 😉

  35. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Heh, I know what you mean, sometimes I don't know what to do with my son…either 😉

  36. Carmen Avatar

    HA! I’m not even ON the list, with my four girls and two boys, but my four girls rank DEAD last. Like I couldn’t have said this already.
    Mind if I swipe this concept??

  37. Carmen Avatar

    HA! I’m not even ON the list, with my four girls and two boys, but my four girls rank DEAD last. Like I couldn’t have said this already.
    Mind if I swipe this concept??

  38. Carmen Avatar

    HA! I’m not even ON the list, with my four girls and two boys, but my four girls rank DEAD last. Like I couldn’t have said this already.
    Mind if I swipe this concept??

  39. Carmen Avatar

    HA! I’m not even ON the list, with my four girls and two boys, but my four girls rank DEAD last. Like I couldn’t have said this already.
    Mind if I swipe this concept??

  40. Carmen Avatar

    HA! I’m not even ON the list, with my four girls and two boys, but my four girls rank DEAD last. Like I couldn’t have said this already.
    Mind if I swipe this concept??

  41. Carmen Avatar

    HA! I’m not even ON the list, with my four girls and two boys, but my four girls rank DEAD last. Like I couldn’t have said this already.
    Mind if I swipe this concept??

  42. Carmen Avatar

    HA! I’m not even ON the list, with my four girls and two boys, but my four girls rank DEAD last. Like I couldn’t have said this already.
    Mind if I swipe this concept??

  43. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Hey Carmen,
    I found it funny that the survey stopped at four, in an ironic sort of way, too.  Although, we could continue comparing notes, over a couple of drinks (or, twenty) at BlogHer…without our kids, of course 🙂
    Hugs,
    Liz

  44. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Hey Carmen,
    I found it funny that the survey stopped at four, in an ironic sort of way, too.  Although, we could continue comparing notes, over a couple of drinks (or, twenty) at BlogHer…without our kids, of course 🙂
    Hugs,
    Liz

  45. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Hey Carmen,
    I found it funny that the survey stopped at four, in an ironic sort of way, too.  Although, we could continue comparing notes, over a couple of drinks (or, twenty) at BlogHer…without our kids, of course 🙂
    Hugs,
    Liz

  46. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Hey Carmen,
    I found it funny that the survey stopped at four, in an ironic sort of way, too.  Although, we could continue comparing notes, over a couple of drinks (or, twenty) at BlogHer…without our kids, of course 🙂
    Hugs,
    Liz

  47. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Hey Carmen,
    I found it funny that the survey stopped at four, in an ironic sort of way, too.  Although, we could continue comparing notes, over a couple of drinks (or, twenty) at BlogHer…without our kids, of course 🙂
    Hugs,
    Liz

  48. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Hey Carmen,
    I found it funny that the survey stopped at four, in an ironic sort of way, too.  Although, we could continue comparing notes, over a couple of drinks (or, twenty) at BlogHer…without our kids, of course 🙂
    Hugs,
    Liz

  49. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Hey Carmen,
    I found it funny that the survey stopped at four, in an ironic sort of way, too.  Although, we could continue comparing notes, over a couple of drinks (or, twenty) at BlogHer…without our kids, of course 🙂
    Hugs,
    Liz

  50. Maria Avatar
    Maria

    We didn’t make the list either – 4 boys and 2 girls. I wonder why it stopped at 4 – or were the consequences of going higher too unimaginable for the happiness quotient.

  51. Maria Avatar
    Maria

    We didn’t make the list either – 4 boys and 2 girls. I wonder why it stopped at 4 – or were the consequences of going higher too unimaginable for the happiness quotient.

  52. Maria Avatar
    Maria

    We didn’t make the list either – 4 boys and 2 girls. I wonder why it stopped at 4 – or were the consequences of going higher too unimaginable for the happiness quotient.

  53. Maria Avatar
    Maria

    We didn’t make the list either – 4 boys and 2 girls. I wonder why it stopped at 4 – or were the consequences of going higher too unimaginable for the happiness quotient.

  54. Maria Avatar
    Maria

    We didn’t make the list either – 4 boys and 2 girls. I wonder why it stopped at 4 – or were the consequences of going higher too unimaginable for the happiness quotient.

  55. Maria Avatar
    Maria

    We didn’t make the list either – 4 boys and 2 girls. I wonder why it stopped at 4 – or were the consequences of going higher too unimaginable for the happiness quotient.

  56. Maria Avatar
    Maria

    We didn’t make the list either – 4 boys and 2 girls. I wonder why it stopped at 4 – or were the consequences of going higher too unimaginable for the happiness quotient.

  57. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Heh, good point Maria.

  58. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Heh, good point Maria.

  59. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Heh, good point Maria.

  60. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Heh, good point Maria.

  61. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Heh, good point Maria.

  62. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Heh, good point Maria.

  63. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Heh, good point Maria.

  64. Boston Mamas Avatar

    This, of course, totally cracked me up. And when I told Laurel about it she said, “OK, I change my mind Mom…don’t have a third baby…I don’t want to lose the top spot!” Heh.

  65. Boston Mamas Avatar

    This, of course, totally cracked me up. And when I told Laurel about it she said, “OK, I change my mind Mom…don’t have a third baby…I don’t want to lose the top spot!” Heh.

  66. Boston Mamas Avatar

    This, of course, totally cracked me up. And when I told Laurel about it she said, “OK, I change my mind Mom…don’t have a third baby…I don’t want to lose the top spot!” Heh.

  67. Boston Mamas Avatar

    This, of course, totally cracked me up. And when I told Laurel about it she said, “OK, I change my mind Mom…don’t have a third baby…I don’t want to lose the top spot!” Heh.

  68. Boston Mamas Avatar

    This, of course, totally cracked me up. And when I told Laurel about it she said, “OK, I change my mind Mom…don’t have a third baby…I don’t want to lose the top spot!” Heh.

  69. Boston Mamas Avatar

    This, of course, totally cracked me up. And when I told Laurel about it she said, “OK, I change my mind Mom…don’t have a third baby…I don’t want to lose the top spot!” Heh.

  70. Boston Mamas Avatar

    This, of course, totally cracked me up. And when I told Laurel about it she said, “OK, I change my mind Mom…don’t have a third baby…I don’t want to lose the top spot!” Heh.

  71. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    That seals it; my son can most definitely date your daughter, when their older (much, much older) of course 😉

  72. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    That seals it; my son can most definitely date your daughter, when their older (much, much older) of course 😉

  73. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    That seals it; my son can most definitely date your daughter, when their older (much, much older) of course 😉

  74. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    That seals it; my son can most definitely date your daughter, when their older (much, much older) of course 😉

  75. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    That seals it; my son can most definitely date your daughter, when their older (much, much older) of course 😉

  76. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    That seals it; my son can most definitely date your daughter, when their older (much, much older) of course 😉

  77. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    That seals it; my son can most definitely date your daughter, when their older (much, much older) of course 😉

  78. Dawn Avatar

    LOL! I didn’t even make the list either. Apparently, three girls and three boys are beyond the “worst” combination of kids to have!
    And a couple years ago, I found a very, very, very old (I mean – it had grown arms and legs) piece of pizza locked in my son’s safe.

  79. Dawn Avatar

    LOL! I didn’t even make the list either. Apparently, three girls and three boys are beyond the “worst” combination of kids to have!
    And a couple years ago, I found a very, very, very old (I mean – it had grown arms and legs) piece of pizza locked in my son’s safe.

  80. Dawn Avatar

    LOL! I didn’t even make the list either. Apparently, three girls and three boys are beyond the “worst” combination of kids to have!
    And a couple years ago, I found a very, very, very old (I mean – it had grown arms and legs) piece of pizza locked in my son’s safe.

  81. Dawn Avatar

    LOL! I didn’t even make the list either. Apparently, three girls and three boys are beyond the “worst” combination of kids to have!
    And a couple years ago, I found a very, very, very old (I mean – it had grown arms and legs) piece of pizza locked in my son’s safe.

  82. Dawn Avatar

    LOL! I didn’t even make the list either. Apparently, three girls and three boys are beyond the “worst” combination of kids to have!
    And a couple years ago, I found a very, very, very old (I mean – it had grown arms and legs) piece of pizza locked in my son’s safe.

  83. Dawn Avatar

    LOL! I didn’t even make the list either. Apparently, three girls and three boys are beyond the “worst” combination of kids to have!
    And a couple years ago, I found a very, very, very old (I mean – it had grown arms and legs) piece of pizza locked in my son’s safe.

  84. Dawn Avatar

    LOL! I didn’t even make the list either. Apparently, three girls and three boys are beyond the “worst” combination of kids to have!
    And a couple years ago, I found a very, very, very old (I mean – it had grown arms and legs) piece of pizza locked in my son’s safe.

  85. cardiff Avatar

    how come there is no single child on the list ?

  86. cardiff Avatar

    how come there is no single child on the list ?

  87. cardiff Avatar

    how come there is no single child on the list ?

  88. cardiff Avatar

    how come there is no single child on the list ?

  89. cardiff Avatar

    how come there is no single child on the list ?

  90. cardiff Avatar

    how come there is no single child on the list ?

  91. cardiff Avatar

    how come there is no single child on the list ?

  92. swingers Avatar

    where do you think 3 boys and 2 girls would come on that list, would it make any difference if any were twins ?

  93. swingers Avatar

    where do you think 3 boys and 2 girls would come on that list, would it make any difference if any were twins ?

  94. swingers Avatar

    where do you think 3 boys and 2 girls would come on that list, would it make any difference if any were twins ?

  95. swingers Avatar

    where do you think 3 boys and 2 girls would come on that list, would it make any difference if any were twins ?

  96. swingers Avatar

    where do you think 3 boys and 2 girls would come on that list, would it make any difference if any were twins ?

  97. swingers Avatar

    where do you think 3 boys and 2 girls would come on that list, would it make any difference if any were twins ?

  98. swingers Avatar

    where do you think 3 boys and 2 girls would come on that list, would it make any difference if any were twins ?

  99. Pattaya Avatar

    would be nice to know the science behind the list, i mean why would some combinations be worse than others and there are many variable, would it make a difference what order they were born, if you had 1 boy and 1 girl which is better ? to have the boy first or the girl first ?

  100. Pattaya Avatar

    would be nice to know the science behind the list, i mean why would some combinations be worse than others and there are many variable, would it make a difference what order they were born, if you had 1 boy and 1 girl which is better ? to have the boy first or the girl first ?

  101. Pattaya Avatar

    would be nice to know the science behind the list, i mean why would some combinations be worse than others and there are many variable, would it make a difference what order they were born, if you had 1 boy and 1 girl which is better ? to have the boy first or the girl first ?

  102. Pattaya Avatar

    would be nice to know the science behind the list, i mean why would some combinations be worse than others and there are many variable, would it make a difference what order they were born, if you had 1 boy and 1 girl which is better ? to have the boy first or the girl first ?

  103. Pattaya Avatar

    would be nice to know the science behind the list, i mean why would some combinations be worse than others and there are many variable, would it make a difference what order they were born, if you had 1 boy and 1 girl which is better ? to have the boy first or the girl first ?

  104. Pattaya Avatar

    would be nice to know the science behind the list, i mean why would some combinations be worse than others and there are many variable, would it make a difference what order they were born, if you had 1 boy and 1 girl which is better ? to have the boy first or the girl first ?

  105. Pattaya Avatar

    would be nice to know the science behind the list, i mean why would some combinations be worse than others and there are many variable, would it make a difference what order they were born, if you had 1 boy and 1 girl which is better ? to have the boy first or the girl first ?

  106. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Well, you know how pizza always tastes better the next day, or 450?

  107. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Well, you know how pizza always tastes better the next day, or 450?

  108. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Well, you know how pizza always tastes better the next day, or 450?

  109. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Well, you know how pizza always tastes better the next day, or 450?

  110. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Well, you know how pizza always tastes better the next day, or 450?

  111. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Well, you know how pizza always tastes better the next day, or 450?

  112. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Well, you know how pizza always tastes better the next day, or 450?