Children

[katmills2005]

I have two wonderful children. My son is about to turn 13 and my daughter is 11 going on 30. I am also raising my mother, who going through her second childhood. (Any of you who have met my mom know what I mean.)

For those of you who say you are waiting until you are financially ready, don't count on your financial freedom to enable you to have kids. Don't worry about how you will afford them either. There seems to always be a way of making the budget work.

My husband and I planned on three. But due to medical reasons, it didn't happen.

I can't think what my life would be like without my children. When my husband died, they are what saw me through. They were, and continue to be, my hope and inspiration.

The best advice I can give to new parents is, remember to make time for you and don't be afraid to make mistakes along the way. Take the kids to scouts, or let them spend the night at a friend's house. Then you go out, do lunch with a friend, find a hobby, or just get some quiet time with a good book. The important thing is not to give up who you are for who you think you have to be as a parent. Don't worry about being "Super Mom" or "Uber Dad" and your kids will know that its ok to make mistakes, they will learn to be independent, and will be more open with you knowing you aren't perfect.

[starbkjrus]

I've never thought I'd make a very good parent so I've never wanted to inflict myself on children of my own.

HOWEVER I have two grown married step kids and a 13 month old grandaughter. I'm a pretty good granddad as it turns out.

And at the end of the day I can give her back to her folks.

[Coemgen]

No marriage, hence no children.

It's that darn vow of chastity...

Quite. Thank goodness I'm Orthodox! Of course, as I am on track to graduate in three years, and then off to seminary, I only have seven years to find a wife. I guess if it comes down to the wire, I can always get one from Russia .

[Clockwork John]

... I guess if it comes down to the wire, I can always get one from Russia .

At least you wouldn't have to worry about religious differences.

[McMathTX]

My wife and I have 2 boys, 21 and 14.

My oldest is in the Navy, bravely scanning the beaches of San Diego for contraband thongs! He had a brief bout with Highland games that ended in a mud pit of a field one year and soured him on the whole experience. His girlfriend however, has mentioned that she likes a man in a kilt so you never know; the kilt could come back out of the closet!

My youngest has worn a kilt only at my great insistence. While he is excited to tell of his ancestor's (imagined) exploits in the wilds of Scotland, his fervor for the kilt is sadly lacking. His life revolves around soccer, (American) football, and online gaming on his X-Box 360.

Dean

[Ozman1944]

Ah the Traditional Orthodox 'Deacon's Panic". (They must marry prior to Ordination). I suggest you pick someone who is an excellent cook. The rest will take care of itself.

(I do make an excellent uncle, so I'm told).

[Coemgen]

At least you wouldn't have to worry about religious differences.

My thoughts exactly!

[cloves]

I love kids but don't want the responsibility of bringing them up. I'm very happy being the "coolest aunt ever" to my only nephew.

[PaulX608]

4 here. Two boys 19(20 next month) and 17, two girls 15(16 next month) and 8.

[Improv1]

Five kids...
Lisa and I got together six years ago, she brought three, I brought one. Together we had a son.
The breakdown: Eldest son Gabriel is almost 14, his brother Julian is nearly 11. Bailey, is a couple months younger than Julian, and she was my daughter from my first marriage. Haley is our youngest daughter, and she is soon to be 9. Our wee lad, Levi, is two and a half. All of them are brothers and sisters, and no one uses 'step' or 'half' or any of that nonsense.
It's interesting because the kids have bonded so well, spanning racial and social barriers. Bailey is half Eritrean, half French-Canadian. Gabriel, Julian, Haley and Levi are English-Scottish-Jewish( not sure where)-Mohawk.