Have children or don’t? Its one of the fundamental choices that defines the arc of our lives. Margie Vartanian considers the path she’s taken.
Recently a number of married friends have told me they do not wish to have children. I respond enthusiastically. What an exciting life you’ll lead, what great travelling you’ll do. Your home will be so organized. Less financial pressure. I smile. I’m polite.
As a mother of three children ages 5, 3 and 1, this path clearly differs from the one I’ve chosen. In my reality, a solo trip to Target with no toddlers is as alluring as a spa treatment. It’s not my goal to proselytize my chosen path. My friends are fully capable of making their own life decisions. However, I am concerned their decision is based on incomplete information. So I’d like to address a few things.
Yes, I am tired. Sometimes defeatedly tired. But some days are better than others, and overall the trajectory is improving.
Yes, parenting can be frustrating. I’ve been that parent at the grocery store or coffee shop or airport, when your toddler turns into a crazed maniac, screams and kicks the ground because the graham cracker you gave her broke in two and she wants a big graham cracker, not two small ones.