Kristin Cavallari says she’s done having kids—here’s how she knew

According to a 2015 study from the Pew Research Center, only 25% of Americans say three children is the ideal family size . Meanwhile, nearly 50% of the population says two-children families are just right, and only 13% say four-plus children per couple is best.

This is a reversal on historical trends—with 1971 specifically marking the turning point when the “ideal” family size began to shift in the direction of two children. This year, the birth rate in the United States hit its lowest point in 30 years .

But, as Cavallari goes to show, this is largely because couples are feeling more empowered in their decisions on the sizes of their families. With her youngest almost 3 years old, Cavallari says there are some aspects of parenting that are simply easier than when the kids were smaller.

“We’re finally at a really good place where we can just pick up and go,” she says. “All my kids have a little bit of independence, and we’re just in a really good place. I don’t want to go back to the diaper phase and all of that.”

With the baby stage behind them, Cavallari says she is also better able to look ahead to the future , which now includes a return to reality television with Very Cavallari on the E! network. But unlike her stints on Laguna Beach and The Hills nearly a decade ago, there isn’t bound to be as much relationship drama out of Cavallari and Cutler’s well-grounded marriage. Also absent from the show will be their three children, as Cavallari has vowed to keep them out of the spotlight as much as she can.

“I wouldn’t let them do a reality show until they were 18 and they could make their own decision,” she told Us Weekly last year. “There’s so much pressure as is in middle school and high school, and having a camera in your face magnifies all of that. I want them to be kids and stay young and innocent for as long as possible.”