45 Good Having Kids Answer
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This article is from the Good Things About Having Kids FAQ, by Benjamin V.C. Collins, collins@campus.mlc.edu with numerous contributions by others.
45 Good Having Kids Answer
Nancy Reynolds asked for more stories. Since I didn't comment the first
time, I will now.
I think what I like most about being a parent is watching a little person
grow from a totally helpless infant to an ever-increasingly independent
person. I was just talking with my friend Betsy whose little girl is
going to turn 1 in a few weeks and we were again remarking on the amazing
things Emily has done this past year. She can stand alone for a minute
or so at a time, she has a word or two, etc. And my daughter Emma (2.3)
has been going through some amazing developmental changes these past
few months too, particularly in the area of vocabulary. Last night she
and I conversed for about an hour and her conversation was clear and
logical (well, at least logical to a 2 year old mind :). She also stunned
me yesterday by pointing out the letter "E" (in her Barney book of course...
<shudder!> :) and saying "Emma name!" and then the letter "D" and saying
"daddy name!" My mouth fell open! I knew she could recognize her name
when spelled out but I didn't know she could pick out the individual letter
"E" when in an entirely different word!
I am looking forward to more developments in the future too. Watching her
learn is one of the neatest things in the world.
BTW, Nancy, before Emma was born I felt in my mind that I'd like to have
a baby but I really didn't know all the specific reasons. And for the first
few months of Em's life I really didn't feel that "bond" that some people
say they feel right from the start. But now...I am shocked at the depth
of my feelings for her. I would do anything for Emma :)
Having kids is scary. Sometimes I don't like being the mommy. Sometimes
I want *my* mommy :) Sometimes I feel over-whelmed when I realize that
I am totally responsible for another human being. Sometimes I make
mistakes. But overall, all-in-all I really would not trade it for anything
in the world. The best thing I think for me to remember is that Emma and
I will grow together. When she was a baby I needed only the skills to
take care of her then. She taught me about herself (how she liked to
be held, how she liked to be entertained, etc.) and she has continued
to do that since. I've read child development books and, of course, sought
the advice of all you other experienced parents out there in misc.kids-land,
and these really help. But ultimately, Nancy, you will know your child
(if you have one :) the best and you will gain the skills you need!
Best wishes with your decision,
Lynda, proud mom to Emma Rose, 2.3
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