For those whose oldest children are still preschoolers, it does get easier! Hold out until the youngest is about 3 and you’ll feel refreshed again. Every child is born into a different family, as the saying goes. Circumstances change and God always provides. And for anybody who feels downtrodden and overwhelmed with the responsibilities of raising children, I have had a period of “I am NEVER doing that again!” after every baby. Eventually the family adjusts and my heart softens and is open to another one. I am still discerning, now in my 39th year, whether or not we should have another baby. Lucky for me ecological breastfeeding gives me some breathing room before we have to start charting my cycles.

Be prudent, but be faithful. Children are the inheritance of the Lord.

My youngest (who is 5) is only 3 months younger than his nephew, and they are best of friends.
Although I would love to have another baby (my youngest asks me each time my daughter has another baby), we are blessed to have the grandchildren so close to home so there’s always a baby near. It’s makes such a difference (especially through the teenage years) to have a baby in (or near) the family, it keeps everyone close and involved with one another.

I think parents are sometimes worried about being able to give enough attention to everyone, but my children have learned so much more from one another than we could have ever taught them alone.

Thankyou again for your article (which I will be passing on), I especially enjoy your writings.

God bless you.

In response, though, as a grateful Grandpa, I say “Hear! Hear!!!” to Lady Kochan’s (and Mike and Michelle’s, et al) cheering urging.

I have watched my granddaughter, Rachel, and grandson, Erik, ages fifteen and eleven, respectively, blossom in new and gentle and cheerful ways with their now one-year-old sister, Natalia – little ‘Talli’ for short. And, watching them, she wants to play such as Guitar Hero with all her little energies. Imagine such a little one, not yet willing to venture real steps, having her turn at a full-size electric piano as she joyfully joins in making her own music.

Now entering her late thirties, and observing as Moms do, my daughter, Helena, smiles and says “At least one more . . .” As do I, with loving memories, Helena remembers five-year-old Rachel leading high-speed toddler Erik in all her games and learning. And, Erik being a persistent but jolly shadow to his big sister.

I can hardly wait!!!

May God bless us all as families with His best gift – more family.