Not all children are created equal. We have five children and each one of them could not be more different from the next. One of our children in particular is extremely head-strong, stubborn, and a challenge at every turn. We try to embrace their differences and encourage their individuality. Some days are easier than others.
One thing I try to keep in mind is that some of the qualities that make children a challenge to raise and parent are the same qualities that will make very successful adults. Having a strong personality and knowing what you want and how to get it can be qualities that will ensure success in a career and other adult relationships and avenues. That being said, these kinds of personality traits can be extremely difficult to parent and manage as we navigate through the teenage years. I try to remember that the differences that are present in each one of our children, both positive and negative, are part of what makes them who they are. We love them and the little people that they are, with the promise of their impending adulthood that is sure to come.
Being a parent is by far the most difficult job I have ever taken on. I do my best every day and hope that the love and guidance that we provide to our children will pay off and give them what they need to make good choices for their lives. It is amazing how fast they grow and change from that tiny little infant that depends on you for the smallest things, to the young adults that begin making decisions about the direction they want their lives to go. Being a parent is an amazing, life-changing journey that I treasure every day of my life.
I’m a mom of only one child and still struggling whether or not to have another.. as there’s eczema in my hubby’s family tree and the first child already has severe eczema from 2 weeks old, I’m guessing it’s high probability the next child will also have eczema.
It’s so tiring n stressful to take care of a child with eczema, having to deal with the incessant scratching (till blood). Any advice for me? I’ve a post on this, would love to know more moms’ views on this!
http://eczemablues.com/2011/12/is-it-ok-to-have-only-one-child/
Marcie’s Mom,
When I married my husband, he had three children that I have helped him raise for the last 15 years. The oldest had severe ADD, the youngest Down syndrome. We went through genetic counseling and were advised that any future children would have no more of a chance of being disabled than any other couple. Our son, however, was born with a cataract in his left eye that required weekly eye doctor appointments and daily patching until he was 18 months old, at which point he had surgery, got bifocal glasses and continued patching until 4th grade. When he was 2 1/2, he developed a seizure disorder that almost killed him and he has blood work done every 6 weeks to 3 months to monitor the seizure med levels. Last year, he was diagnosed with Asperger’s and continues to be challenged with all of the ramifications that come with that, and several months ago, we discovered he had PICA (severely low iron levels) for which he must take two pills a day and have regular blood tests.
My point is, I wouldn’t change a thing. Each of our kids has presented us with challenges and placed demands on our lives that I never could have foreseen being something I could handle, but the joy and pride and undiluted, unconditional love I’ve experienced has made it all worth it – I would have ten more if I could!
That being said, YOU can decide whether or not having more children is right for you. You are an amazing mom, doing the best you can with your child, and if you need your energy to meet your baby’s needs and don’t think you should have another child, then that’s what is right for you…and no one should judge you for that!!