My son is just 7 months as of yesterday. But, basically since the day he was born, all of our friends and family have been hounding us to have another baby. Growing up, I always thought I'd want at least two kids. But now, I'm pretty adamant about just sticking with the one I got. Why? Because my kid is awesome.
I know that sounds obnoxiously boastful, and I suppose that it is. But I promise you I do not mean it in a nanner-nanner boo-boo kinda way. The thing is, I have heard all kinds of horror stories about everything from sleeping and eating problems to heartbreaking illnesses and developmental issues. I am acutely aware of how very fortunate I am for my healthy, happy-go-lucky, sleeps-through-the-night little boy. So the number one reason that I shudder at the thought of having another baby is because I am terrified that the next one will be a complete jerk … or worse.
There's also the feeling that there is no way that I could possibly love another baby as much as I love my son. Sometimes I am so overwhelmed with emotion for that little guy that I get all teary-eyed. People tell me that I'll change my mind and start to get the baby bug as he gets older. But I am 1000% positive that's never going to happen. And what's so wrong with that?
My son is destined to be :::GASP::: an ONLY child. (OHMYGAWDTHEHORROR!!!) Surely he will be spoiled. Surely he will be selfish and socially stunted and lazy because he's had everything handed to him, right? Not as long as I'm his mother.
Sure, he won't have to fight off siblings for the toy in the cereal box. And he'll never have to elbow out a brother or sister and call "shotgun." But he'll know that if he wants something, he'll have to earn it. He'll know that sharing with friends and classmates is the nice thing to do. And he'll know to treat others the way he wants to be treated. Why? Because I'll teach him these things. I don't see why that should be any different than if I had six kids instead of just the one. If anything, shouldn't he be more well-mannered because I won't have to divide my time and energy?
What do you think? Are all only children doomed to be insufferable brats?
Photo by Flickr member Avolore, used under a Creative Commons License.