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I Know My Limitations
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Tick. Tick. Tick.
Can you hear it?
It's the sound of my biological clock.
Then, there's the talking.
That's the sound of my little girl. She's growing.
Oh, and there's the sound of family and friends.
Their talking sounds like, "so, are you going to have another one?"
No, they are not talking about cookies.
I know what they are talking about.
They are talking about babies.
How about you?
Are you planning for another one?
Wondering when is the right time?
How far apart should kids be? Does it matter? Does or will it affect your child's development?
My friend Cindy spaced her children out like she spaces out the buying of a vehicle. She usually finances a vehicle for 4 years. She doesn't like to have 2 payments at once. With her kiddos 4 years apart, she's hopeful that she won't have two college tuitions at the same time. There is also the fact that she didn't have two in diapers, or two to buy formula for, or two in childcare at the same time. I love the "car-buying/when to have a baby" theory. I think it's pretty smart. Child development experts tend to agree.
When it comes to having two (or more kids), it is ideal to space kiddos far enough apart that each baby has time to grow into a little person (and thus begins to understand their place and role within the family and community) before another munchkin is added. There's also the fact that at this pace, you have time and resources. There's the time to read, and snuggle and provide optimal care for your child.
No, it's not always possible. There are certainly circumstances that get in the way...like biological clocks, and jobs, and life, and simply personal preference. In the end, it's up to you...what you can manage...and what you can't.
The holidays are a magical time when I wish I could have a ton of little kids around me. I love their joy and the magic their view brings to my life.
However, I also know what is right for me and my family.
I know my limitations.
I'm stopping while I'm ahead...at least for now...
Tick. Tick. Tick.
