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You're right. It doesn't have to be the way my mother-in-law did/does it. Still having a two year old and knowing how much attn I like to be able to pay to him, I know the kids would get less parental attn if there was a couple of them, same age.
There is only so much time and energy to go around, right? I just see it mjob not the sibling's job to interact with my child. Maybe I'm trying to be a supetwoman but I want to be able to really spend one-on-one with each child. The more kids there are (multiples or not), the harder that gets. And bless all the preemies. Our son is an ex-preemie and they don't all have to be fussy and have trouble sleeping. Breastfeeding, wearing the little one and the comfort of mom at night in bed works wonders.
True -- but it's not that the parents can ignore the older child and devote all their time to the infant. It's going to be a juggling act any way you do it if you have more than one child. Older children also have needs and you can't ignore the fact the 12 year old needs help with homework and the 8 year old needs to be picked up from his friend's house when the baby is hungry.
Yes, there is also nighttime parenting -- the bonding that you mentioned.
I think it depends on energy levels and what someone is accustomed to -- those from large families often absolutely adore having siblings, some can't imagine life without them and they were an important aspect of their childhood.
I think multiple children is easier because someone has to play with a 4 year old -- if there is a sibling, they may be perfectly happy playing with legos or whatever together, but playing with a parent works also, but it can be easier on a parent trying to get something else done when kids have each other for some things.
I hear you. I absolutely adore my siblings and I am so glad that I have them. I'd like to have more children. I just could not see having more than one at a time! You are right that it is a juggling act in any case!
Quote:
Originally Posted by malamute
True -- but it's not that the parents can ignore the older child and devote all their time to the infant. It's going to be a juggling act any way you do it if you have more than one child. Older children also have needs and you can't ignore the fact the 12 year old needs help with homework and the 8 year old needs to be picked up from his friend's house when the baby is hungry.
Yes, there is also nighttime parenting -- the bonding that you mentioned.
I think it depends on energy levels and what someone is accustomed to -- those from large families often absolutely adore having siblings, some can't imagine life without them and they were an important aspect of their childhood.
I think multiple children is easier because someone has to play with a 4 year old -- if there is a sibling, they may be perfectly happy playing with legos or whatever together, but playing with a parent works also, but it can be easier on a parent trying to get something else done when kids have each other for some things.
My brother in law had 2 sets of twins right after each other.
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You are right that it is a juggling act in any case!
