interesting article- the only child myth

as I only have one child right now and not sure if we are going to have a second I found tihs article interesting--I know tihs topic has been discussed before so thought I'd share and see what others throught....

Only Child Myth

I am running out of time to determine whether I want a second and honestly when I REALLY think about it, I am ok with one child but these exact thoughts mentioned in this article are what I think about, will my DC resent being an only child, will he suffer because of it, when I tell everyone we may not have another I get "The" response" on the other hand I LOVE having my DS and think having antoher one would be so awesome and almost complete the family I always pictured but at 40/41 to go back to diapers and starting over (And DH is older than me) would be tough....DS is now much more indpendent we can do so much more and I FINALLY don't feel guilty with my work, it's so tough, anyone else go thorugh the same??? Not sure what I am looking for here but just curious what others think.

Re: interesting article- the only child myth

DH and I set out to only have one child and gave ourselves a year to try. If we didn't conceive naturally in that window of time, then we would live happily as a childless couple. We conceived on our first try (at the age of 36) and are so happy with our DS. He has brought so much love and meaning to our lives. BUT with that being said, I DO NOT want another. We can't afford it, I'm now 37 and do not want to give birth at 38, 39, or 40. And our 3br house just isn't big enough to fill with another child. That 3rd bedroom is a closet, IMO. Where would I put all my stuff? Seriously, I think that article speaks so many truths and I don't feel guilty one bit for saying I will only have one child. He will be very much loved and cared for and we can devote all our love to him instead of splitting it multiple ways.

Re: interesting article- the only child myth

I've seen this article before and its wonderful.

I loathe, hate, resent and it downright ticks me off when I get the 'only child' bs from people. My child IS happy IS well adjusted and I am happy too.

I'm 35 and I just don't want anymore. I feel she's fine how she is now. She won't resent me. I'm her mom! I think there's too much pressure that you must have more than one. Its stupid.

It bothers me so much that I've nearly gotten snobby about my one and done child. Its my hubby and I enjoying dinner with my kid in a high chair without worry about who she's hitting, taking food from, walking about, not touching, etc. Both my hubby and I are not only children and altho we have fond memories of our siblings and both of us are close to them, we don't miss the fights, the tug of war and the divided attention of our parents.

Its a reality to us that she is our world. We do try not to over protect her and let her make her own mistakes. We don't baby her or give her much slack.

We are not broken

She is not lonely

We are not cruel

She is not left wanting

We are not selfish

She is not to be pitied