We were discussing kids and upon learning that I was the proud (if somewhat frazzled) mom to one little boy, with no plans to have another little one, our conversation seemed to change on a dime. Yes, a complete and total stranger – in my life only because of our grocery store of choice – actually told me that she was shocked that I wouldn’t give my kid the gift of a sibling. Really?? Knock my Oreos, maybe, but my choice about kids??
Yes, it would be nice if he had a built-in playmate sometimes… or I could be spending time breaking up scraps and dealing with sibling rivalry.
Yes, it could help him learn to share, take turns and other great life lessons… or he could learn to be independent and self-sufficient.
Yes, it would be nice to think of him surrounded by siblings when I’m old & grey or gone… or maybe they’d all move to opposite ends of the world and never speak.
Life is tough enough (just like grocery shopping!) – I wish I could understand why people feel the need to continually question and judge other people’s choices. I don’t know how my life would have played out with another child, two more or ten more (except then I might be in line for my own reality show!). All I do know is that my kid is the single most wonderful thing in my life and its an absolute joy to be his mom (most days!). Let’s just learn to relax… sit down… take a deep breath… have an Oreo…
