Never have more children than you have car windows.

In this quote, Erma Bombeck humorously offers a piece of parenting advice with her trademark wit. The phrase "Never have more children than you have car windows" suggests that managing children, especially during car rides, can be overwhelming. The implication is that each child requires their own window, and without enough windows, chaos will ensue. It’s a funny way of saying that parents should not stretch themselves too thin, particularly when it comes to handling the logistics and responsibilities of raising multiple children.

Bombeck’s quote reflects the challenges of parenting and the often chaotic nature of family life. As a mother herself and a prolific humorist, Bombeck frequently wrote about the daily struggles and absurdities of family life. This quote humorously addresses the realities of having a large family and how something as simple as a car ride can become an ordeal when there aren't enough personal spaces (like car windows) to avoid conflict or irritation.

The underlying message of the quote is not just about physical space but also about balance and knowing one’s limits as a parent. Bombeck, known for her candid and relatable writing, uses humor to acknowledge the overwhelming aspects of parenthood while also offering a light-hearted solution. It’s a reminder that managing a family, like a car ride, can be much easier when there is enough room (figuratively and literally) for everyone.

Ultimately, Bombeck’s quote serves as a humorous reminder of the practical side of parenting and the importance of being realistic about what you can handle. It resonates with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of a large family, while also providing a chuckle at the thought of how something as mundane as car windows can highlight the chaos of everyday life.