Kid counts

So, on the way home from school this afternoon, the children were talking about how many children they wanted to have when they get older. This often happens with them, and they happen to change their numbers regularly. Today, I decided to take a different stab at it and told them how I see it. Being a mom of one, then two, then three, then four, then 6! I have been at different stages that a lot of people don't ever get the perspective of. I feel that people stop because they don't think they can handle anymore. They don't really sit down and think about. So, this is what I see...

You have the one and only kid -  This kid will be the one spoiled with everything! Love, ALL your time, ALL your attention, ALL your money, ALL your EVERYTHING. They require you to be their best friend, their stress relief, their EVERYTHING! If you cannot handle one, definitely have another one!

You have two kids - most people think this the ideal amount, I know my parents did. OOPS they had a third! Two kids, takes some of the attention off you. Yet, here comes the rivalry, the competition, the he said/she said. But it alleviates some pressure off you to dedicate every waking moment to the one child. They now have a buddy, someone else they can fixate their attention onto. And you may be lucky enough to get two that like each other or are easy going... if this is the case great!

You have 3 kids - Odd man out. It doesn't matter what you do, there will always be an odd man out. - Have another, or just deal with the bickering. The odd man will either be the favorite or the black sheep... that just depends on the type of parent you are and how you address that odd man out syndrome.

You have 4 kids - This is a great number. Honestly, I think this was when I actually got my you-know-what together! By now, you have everything down to a science. When two are bickering, time to switch buddies! And then switch buddies again! You have options! You just have to micro-manage, but it works, and generally everyone comes out happy.

5 - not my area, I was really only at 5 for about 4 minutes so I will not speak on a subject I don't know anything about!

6- 6 is my number. Had I ever thought I would have 6 kids? Maybe when I was playing life in the 2nd or 3rd grade over at my friend Nicole's house with her cousin Sarah. But never really in my wildest dreams had I ever thought I would have six! But they are a blessing and I would do it all over again if I was given the option! But 6 is like 4, but with more options and more micro managing!

After all that, whatever you do decide, just love your child to the fullest you can. It isn't about what you bought them, it's about the time you shared. Memories last longer than materialistic gifts. And when you give gifts, make them memories, some thing they can enjoy for a long time.

Children are a blessing, no matter how many you have. They will give you more than you can give to them. And remember to thank The Good Lord for them everyday. Not everyone could be so blessed.