Stardew Valley: Steps to Say Goodbye to Children, If You Really Want To

So, in the world of Stardew Valley,, the ability to have children adds a heartwarming element to your farm life. However, there might be situations where players decide they no longer want children on their farm. Here's a guide to help you navigate the steps to dismiss children in Stardew Valley, the mechanics involved, and the implications of this decision.

Why Would You Even Want to Dismiss Children?

There are various reasons why a player might choose to dismiss children in Stardew Valley:

• Game Aesthetics: Some players prefer a farm without children running around, focusing more on farming and other activities.
• Space Management: The nursery and other child-related elements might take up space that players wish to use for other purposes.
• Restarting the Process: Players might want to reset the family aspect of their game, either to experience the process of having children again or for other personal preferences.

Steps to Say Goodbye to Children, If You Really Want To

The Dark Shrine of Selfishness
To dismiss children in Stardew Valley, players must use the Dark Shrine of Selfishness located in the Witch’s Hut. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Accessing the Witch’s Hut:

• Location: The Witch’s Hut is accessible after completing the “Goblin Problem” quest. This quest is given by the Wizard and involves retrieving the Magic Ink from the Witch’s Hut.
• Requirements: You will need to have access to the Witch’s Swamp, which is unlocked by completing a series of quests for the Wizard.

Offering a Prismatic Shard:

• Item Needed: To activate the Dark Shrine of Selfishness, you need to offer a Prismatic Shard. Prismatic Shards are rare items that can be found in the mines, Skull Cavern, or obtained from Omni Geodes and Rainbow Trout fish ponds.
• Interaction: Approach the Dark Shrine of Selfishness and place the Prismatic Shard into the offering slot. Confirm your choice to dismiss the children.

Effect:

• Immediate Change: Upon offering the Prismatic Shard, your children will turn into doves and leave the farm permanently. This action is irreversible, and the children cannot be brought back once dismissed.
• Spouse Reaction: Dismissing children does not negatively affect your relationship with your spouse, and they may ask if you want to have children again unless the crib is removed from the nursery​​​​

What Happens After You Dismiss the Kids

Game Mechanics

• Permanent Removal: Once dismissed, the children are permanently removed from your farm. They will not appear again unless you decide to have new children.
• Nursery Space: After dismissing the children, the nursery remains in your house unless you choose to renovate it. The crib can be removed to prevent the possibility of having children again.
• Friendship and Events: Dismissing children does not impact other in-game relationships or events. It solely affects the presence of the children on your farm.
  

Finding Prismatic Shards for Dismissing Children

Prismatic Shards are essential for interacting with the Dark Shrine of Selfishness to dismiss children. These rare items can be found through various means:

• Mining: Prismatic Shards can be found while mining in the deeper levels of the Skull Cavern and the regular mines. The chance of finding them increases significantly in the Skull Cavern.
• Omni Geodes: Cracking open Omni Geodes at Clint's Blacksmith shop can occasionally yield Prismatic Shards.
• Fishing: Placing Rainbow Trout in a Fish Pond and increasing the pond population can result in the fish producing Prismatic Shards.
• Monsters: Defeating monsters in the Skull Cavern, particularly the Serpents, can drop Prismatic Shards.
• Treasure Rooms: Exploring the Skull Cavern can lead to treasure rooms that may contain Prismatic Shards​​ .

What to Do with All That Extra Space

After dismissing children, you might want to repurpose the nursery space. Here are some ideas on how to effectively use the newfound space:

• Storage Room: Convert the nursery into a storage room by adding chests, preserving jars, and kegs. This can help manage excess produce and crafted goods.
  
• Crafting Area: Set up a crafting area with furnaces, recycling machines, and looms. This can centralize your crafting activities and improve efficiency.
• Animal Supplies: Use the space to store hay, animal feed, and tools. This can make caring for your livestock more convenient.
• Decoration Room: Create a themed decoration room, using various items collected throughout the game. This can add a personal touch to your farmhouse and make it more aesthetically pleasing​​.

Relationship with Spouse Post-Dismissal

Dismissing children in Stardew Valley does not negatively affect your relationship with your spouse. Here’s how to maintain a positive relationship:

• Daily Interactions: Continue to talk to your spouse daily to maintain the relationship. Simple interactions can help keep the relationship strong.
• Gifts: Regularly give your spouse gifts they love. Each character has specific items they prefer, which can significantly boost your relationship status.
• Completing Quests: Complete any quests your spouse gives you. These quests can deepen your bond and provide additional dialogue options.
• House Upgrades: Consider upgrading your house further to make it more comfortable and appealing for your spouse, reinforcing the commitment to your virtual family life​​.

Ethical Considerations and Player Choices

The option to dismiss children in Stardew Valley has sparked discussions among players regarding the ethics of such a feature. While it is a game mechanic designed to offer flexibility, it is essential to consider the role-playing aspect and personal preferences when making this decision:

• Role-Playing Decisions: Stardew Valley allows players to make decisions based on their role-playing preferences. Dismissing children can be seen as a way to reset or redirect the game’s narrative.
• Personal Preferences: Players might choose to dismiss children based on personal preferences for gameplay. Some might prefer a farm focused solely on agriculture and animals without the additional dynamic of children.
• Game Mechanics: The feature is designed to offer flexibility, similar to other game mechanics like skill respecs. It allows players to change their farm’s dynamics without starting a new game.
• Community Reactions: The community has mixed reactions to this feature. Some appreciate the flexibility it provides, while others feel uncomfortable with the idea. Ultimately, it’s up to each player to decide how they wish to use the feature within their game​​ .
  

Got Questions? We Got Answers

Wrapping It All Up

Dismissing children in Stardew Valley is a significant decision that adds a unique dynamic to the game. Whether you choose to maintain a child-free farm or enjoy the process of raising children, understanding the mechanics and implications of this feature allows you to tailor your gaming experience to your preferences. Always consider the in-game and personal implications before making this irreversible decision.