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Mikey · 05-25-2022, 09:10 AM

(05-25-2022, 07:33 AM)The Real Marty Wrote: I think 2nd kids are easier because after the 1st kid, the parents relax and give up on raising the perfect child. I was a 2nd kid. My parents doted on my older brother, giving in to his every wish and whim. But when I came along, my mother would put me in my crib, turn on the TV and leave the room. I'd watch the TV through the bars of my crib. She said it kept me quiet. I guess that's all she wanted by that time- some peace and quiet.

The second has an older sibling that they aspire to. Our friends had 4 (!!!) and by the third things like potty training were a breeze because the youngers couldn't wait to be like the olders.

Parents do also learn what works and what doesn't with their first, and tend not to repeat the fruitless strategies with the younger siblings. So we might think some things are "easier" with subsequent kids, but in reality it's just that we aren't slinging poo at the wall with this one like we did our first.

I can recommend abandoning kids with a TV, but I can say that there were plenty of times where we opted for easy over difficult when exhaustion crept in.

(05-25-2022, 08:11 AM)Caldrac Wrote: I only have a son so far. He just hit 2 in April. I am the oldest of three boys but my parents were pretty young when they had me. My mom was 19 and my dad was 20. I remember my first time riding without training wheels. I ate [BLEEP], my dad laughed, and he made me get up on my own and try again.

My parents didn't really hover over me a lot. They kind of left me to my own devices and I minded my own business. Rarely got into any trouble growing up. Maybe three's a crowd though. I am 34, my younger brother is 27 and my youngest brother is 23. They grew up a little bit more closer than I did with my middle brother. But, now being much older as a trio. I feel really closer to my youngest brother.

It's funny how it all plays out I guess. We all have our own kids now so it's fun watching my son interact with their two daughter's. A lot of energy around the family now. Grandparents are hamming it up. And honestly, that's been the most enjoyable part for me as a parent. Just seeing that youthful look and laughter around my Mom and Dad again. That's priceless man.

When you were 14, they were 7 and 3, the delayed relationship is understandable when you think about it this way.

You're right, though, my dad especially was night and day different in his role as dad vs. grandpa.