2 Kids are way tougher than one! I cant imagine anymore kids.

Why didn't anyone tell my wife and me that having kids takes so much out of you? Wow! I adore my boys but its non-stop work. Who takes care of Mommy and Daddy? I just need a nap.

When we talked and dreamed of having kids I don’t think we thought pass the baby stage. The idea is cute till you find yourself saying "No" all day long or "Don't Touch that" "Don't put that in your mouth" "Stop". Some days I feel like a pull string doll, repeating myself all day long.

When we asked parents at the time all they could say was "It’s hard but it’s worth it" Could they have been a little more specific?

Forgive me for sounding selfish but this is hard work. At least it’s entertaining. My boys make us laugh out loud quite often. And yes it’s worth it but aren’t we aloud to complain every now and then?

Thanks for letting me let that out. Let me know how you’re coping and what helped.

TTFN

8 Bizniks have posted replies

Posted by Judy Dunn, Seattle, Washington | 4 weeks ago

Alexander,

As the parent of an only child, I can't say that I've experienced your life. And it IS hard work.

One thing I notice with your "pull string doll" comment is that you have a sense of humor. I think all people considering having kids should have a "humor IQ" test. Because being able to laugh is what saves you.

Don't know how old your little ones are, but I noticed a kind of roller coaster with mine: cute baby needing feeding and changing (and love), but adorable. Toddler running around, putting things in mouth, needing to be watched all the time. Early school years: enthusiastic, loving learning new things. Middle school years: emotional, moody. Etc., etc., etc.

I think you'll find in the end that it was very worth it. And it helps to talk about it. Just knowing people hear and understand what you are going through helps.

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Posted by Alexander Valencia, Fort Lauderdale, Florida | 4 weeks ago

Judy,

Thank you for your comment and encouragement. I think i am going to use this as a tool to express my feelings and experiences of being a dad. Thanks again for your support.
Posted by Howard Howell, Seattle, Washington | 4 weeks ago

Alexander... Don't give up. Like any worthy endeavor, the reward comes AFTER the work. Approach each day with a thankful attitude that you can help these young ones find their way in the journey you have already embarked upon.

My wife and I have 7 wonderful children and 23 great grandchildren and that is where all of our true happiness stems from. Far more than the multitude of businesses that we have created.

When we were raising them, we always wished we had a field guide. A fellow Biznik Patricia Anderson has authored a great book on the subject of Parenting. You may want to check it out. ...Howard

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Posted by Alexander Valencia, Fort Lauderdale, Florida | 4 weeks ago

Thanks for the words of encouragement Howard. It means a lot coming from a somone so positive and experienced. I will keep on truckin' I am confident the end result will be a blessing. I am raising future adults and will do my best to make sure they are a positive influence on this world and have Fun while doing it. Thanks again.
Posted by Amanda Read, Hillsboro, Oregon | 4 weeks ago

Alexander, I can totally relate, as a mom of 5 kids ranging from 11 to 3 there are days I sit there and wonder what was I thinking?! I don't know how old your kids are but it seems to get easier and harder at the same time. I am finally done with diapers and now have to deal with girlfriends...really? I know I am not ready for that. I think the best thing to do is make sure you and your wife have date nights and special time set aside for just the two of you. Remember how special even those crazy days are, and when all else fails I try to remember the advice my mom always gives me "this too shall pass"!
Posted by Howard Howell, Seattle, Washington | 4 weeks ago

Alexander... The advice from Amanda about a weekly date night is great wisdom.

While we had children at home, every Friday night we had a baby-sitter and I took my wife (of 43 years now) out on a date.

Sometimes it was very simple. Maybe just a fast-food restaurant and a movie. But, it gave her a break and helped nurture our relationship.

It also gave us time alone to discuss our daily challenges with the children and to get in sync with the way we handled them so they couldn't play each of us against the other.

Now that we are "empty-nest-ers", we still continue our date night. ...Howard

Helping YOU Sell YOUR Expertise
Posted by Alexander Valencia, Fort Lauderdale, Florida | 4 weeks ago

Amanda,

Wow! I thought I had my hands full, you are a trooper and deserve a medal. I am sure your days are full of laughs and tears.

My boys are 3 and 2 in December. I thank you for your comment and encouraging words. Its nice to know we are not alone.

We are very fortunate to have our familes who are willing to help and give my wife and I the liberty to have date nights.

Thanks again for your comment.
Posted by Alexander Valencia, Fort Lauderdale, Florida | 4 weeks ago

Howard,

43 years! What a great inspiration. Congrats to you and your wife. My Parents are 42 years married.

My wife and I strongly believe in date nights and we also own a business together so getting away to the office every morning is like a mini working vacation. By the end of the day we can’t wait to get home to our boys.

Thank you all for your comments. I am very fortunate to have your support and encouragement.