That was the debate that flared up among several bloggers recently. I'm not going to go back and reiterate the whole discussion; it really isn't necessary. It took place between several moms/dads and "childfree" people.
They are difficult, children. Last night the Artist woke with a bellyache and needed soothing; this from a mom who had only gone to sleep about 2.5 hrs before and who was set to wake up 2.5 hours later. Mom's five hour sleep was cut down to something like 3hrs total.
The Monkey protested going off to school; she was scared she said. Possibly it had more to do with the fact that mom's new temporary job kept her from being home when she arrived home and mom's mom job required her to leave at about 6 to take the Artist to her new (formed by the tenth grade class), twice weekly group for new Olim. Having come here only last year she qualifies for extra help and Hebrew learning practice. Then mom came up for a quick snuggle and went back to help the Artist with her math homework. This was when the Artist was still going to go to school today.
They are costly. They break things. We no longer have a full set of dishes.
They whine, have tantrums and can give one a headache faster than a concert at full blast.
They drive you nuts.
And I guess there are quite a few people who haven't had kids and don't intended to have them might legitimately wonder why anyone would want one, let alone more than one.
So how can you get rid of your right arm? Right arms bother people sometimes; they ache, they get bitten by mosquitoes, they get sunburned, bruised and a host of other pains that come their way.
They drive me nuts; but they fill me with wonder and excitement and joy and hope. I seem them and I see a world; a toss of their head and I'm taking off to the stars. a smile, a snuggle and hug and I am in Eden. How can anything compare to my children?
I know they are the best children in the world. No one else has children like mine. Oh, I know that is what some people think, but I know they are wrong.
And every mom and dad knows that about their child.
They are the gift that breaks the heart every moment of the day. And I can never quite understand what I did to deserve them.
Posted by Rachel Ann at October 11, 2004 07:25 AMOh ! I wasn't aware of this debate..and I could say reams n reams on the pleasure n pain of being a parent (have only one kid !! but that doesn't make it any different..does it !! :-))..but suffice to say that I agree with everyword you have written !!
Ahhh the arguments in the morn while rushing off to school..when ur tearing out your hair..or..the greatest welling of love in your heart..when your lil one suddenly hugs you and says ''mum..u r the best !!'' could anything..ANYTHING..beat THAT !!!!!
Beautifully said, Rachel Ann!
Posted by: Sally at October 11, 2004 07:30 PMThanks for stopping by today - I just had to come over and see your post and sure enough, I can relate!! :-D
Posted by: Andrea at October 11, 2004 08:59 PMYou should see how those who are childfree by choice attack those who are childfree not by choice. They're bad enough with people who have children; the things they say to people who desperately want children and can't have them are often mind-bogglingly cruel.
Posted by: Kim at October 11, 2004 10:06 PMI heard some of the comments Kim, and that's one of the reasons I just didn't want to blog the whole story here. It was just too much. I was sickened by some of the comments; ou are right; it can only be thought of as cruel.
I know people who have gone through infertility (or secondary infertility) it is such a painful thing. I don't understand the utter hostility towards children and those who have or wish to become parents exhibited by many of those from the "childfree" sector.
Posted by: Rachel Ann at October 11, 2004 10:33 PMThe blessing of being a parent is not understood by those who are not. My children are the finest thing in my life.
Posted by: Jack at October 12, 2004 11:00 PM