I have been caring for my friend's 18 mo daughter during the day, plus having my own 5 mo ds at home. I have had a crash course in what parenting of two children is like- LOrd bless parents with more than one child. I now understand what that slightly crazy look in the eye is all about with many moms. I am humbled because it's much harder than I ever thought- deep inside I always figured if I could handle a class of 25 7yr olds, why can't moms handle two kids- get it together here folks? It's not the same at all and I confess my pride. LOrd please forgive me.

:oops:

I think at some point we've all been in those shoes. I remember thinking why a friend of mine couldn't get it together with her boys when I only had a girl. Then my two nephews came to live with us for 2 months and I had to call her and tell her that I was sorry for judging her! Besides, now her boys are really behaved. And people who don't have kids always know how to parent ;).
Two kids was a huge jump for me. They seem to know that too, when I am with one the other is causing chaos and vice versa! You can't run two ways either when you are in a store, etc.
Yep, parenting is hard!

I'm also sure it seems a little harder for you being that you had the younger in this situation. You've not yet made it to the other age/stage with your little one. Sure, you may have watched children of all ages before, but it's different than having one of your own at that age. Then once you're a parent..it's still a little different watching a child that is 'out of your range' of 'expertise' ;) KWIM?

And..the other is not your child. That's just different. You have to deal with that one differently. You relate to that one differently. It's just plain different.

But yes...the same in that caring for more than one, is more work. But rest assured..making the leap from 1 to 2 of your own..allbeit difficult at first, it will mellow out and from then on, it's really no big adjustment. Just keep the same spacing and you're good to go hehe When you stretch #2 and #3 out by 4 or 5 years, well, then you'll feel you're starting all over again and it's hard. A friend of mine has 4 or 5 years between her #2 and 3 and she said that was way tougher than going from 1 to 2...they were 2 years apart. Then after #3, #4 and #5 are a little over 2 yr, then 18 months apart. She said that was waaaay easier to deal.

Mine are all 2 yr apart, give or take a couple of months. So I've not had to 'start over' I've not completely forgotten *everything* by the time the next one comes along hahaha

Anywho, I'm rambling...I think the basement dust is getting to me *cough*

That is great that you can recognize this though. That you have seen your error.

I've been guilty of similiar judgement. When I used to work in childcare and I wasnt a parent yet. I used to judge parents and I thought I new everything. Since having ds Ive seen how wrong I was,how difficult it is and that I dont know everything. And like Rachel said I new everything about parenting even though I wasnt a parent yet. I was such a snob aout it. :oops:


When you stretch #2 and #3 out by 4 or 5 years, well, then you'll feel you're starting all over again and it's hard. A friend of mine has 4 or 5 years between her #2 and 3 and she said that was way tougher than going from 1 to 2...they were 2 years apart. Then after #3, #4 and #5 are a little over 2 yr, then 18 months apart. She said that was waaaay easier to deal.

My gf is pregnant with twins not planned, her oldest is six and shes saying the same thing how shes startng over. Like she has no baby things.

I think the BIG difference is having the child from day one on... you can grow as *They* grow... it isn't this all of a sudden thing... and you know.. the "first" child always seems to mature as they need to, to help maintain your sanity! :) HA!

Thanks for the blessing! :D There are so many times I question my sanity... motherhood was no work with one (looking back I think that anyway!), but having two overwhelms me most of the time! Ds #2 is so feisty!!!! But I agree, it's easier when it's your own, because you do "grow" with them & you're used to dealing with their antics.

I disagree with Tara a bit though... I plan to "start over" (wait 4, 5 or even 6 years before having any more), because I think that's the only way I could handle it. But I admire you Tara, because you are one of those "born mothers" that can handle anything and I think that's awesome (although I'd probably hate you if I actually watched you in action - just kidding - LOL!!!). I tend to get overwhelmed... :(

I completely agree at that age. My dd is two and her friends are 2 and 3. That is an easier age to have more then one I think.

Sara