What would you change?

I don't have time to answer myself right now but I've been thinking about this over the last few weeks. I've realized that I will be a GREAT parent when my kids are 18 and I've learned from the past. What did you do/would you do differently with #2 kid, #3 kid, etc?

[PrincessFiona]

I would say that I take things much less seriously with my younger kids than I did with my older kids. When something happened with Andrew or Amanda at school or with a friend I got my feathers all ruffled and it felt like the end of the world. With time, I think I have had exposure therapy or something Pretty much I just dont feel as upset or excited when something happens now. I think to myself "it will all work out" and dont get involved in the dram like I used to.

Kid #1 Sterilize pacifiers.
Kid #2 Wash pacifiers that fall on floor in water.
Kid #3 Put pacifier in my mouth to *wash* it off before giving it to him.
Kid #4 Wipe pacifier on pantleg to *wash*
Kid #5 Pacifiers are laying all over the house and she has her choice of any dog-licked dirty paci that she wants :> Fortunately, she is not really into them.

I seriously think I have gotten so laid back that Zoe will be driving herself to preschool

The good news though is that I worry less and am more even-keeled about issues relating to discipline, school, etc.

kris

That is so true, Kris.

My version:

#1: She's standing....she's letting go....she's lifting her foot....oh, she fell. She's standing....she's letting go....OMG!!!! Her first step! Did you see that? Did you get it with the camera and the video camera? Hand me the phone.

#2: Wow, the baby started walking today.

#3: Hey, when did the baby start walking?

[Amiens]

[quote="PrincessFiona"]I would say that I take things much less seriously with my younger kids than I did with my older kids. When something happened with Andrew or Amanda at school or with a friend I got my feathers all ruffled and it felt like the end of the world. With time, I think I have had exposure therapy or something Pretty much I just dont feel as upset or excited when something happens now. I think to myself "it will all work out" and dont get involved in the dram like I used to.

Kid #1 Sterilize pacifiers.
Kid #2 Wash pacifiers that fall on floor in water.
Kid #3 Put pacifier in my mouth to *wash* it off before giving it to him.
Kid #4 Wipe pacifier on pantleg to *wash*
Kid #5 Pacifiers are laying all over the house and she has her choice of any dog-licked dirty paci that she wants :> Fortunately, she is not really into them.

I seriously think I have gotten so laid back that Zoe will be driving herself to preschool

The good news though is that I worry less and am more even-keeled about issues relating to discipline, school, etc.

kris[/quote

Reed is #3, and there are pacifiers lying around; not to mention some he will find leftover crumbs around his tray and eat those.

Man have I eased up big time since Emma.

[DCJenn]

Maybe I need to start thinking of Nikolai as our last child instead of our first because I'm not all that pressed about stuff. Or maybe that's what happens when ou have geezer parents.

I figured that if he survived crawling on the floor of the Moscow airport, he's probably a pretty hearty kid.

Oh well, I guess I spent my over protectiveness on the dog, he of 5 trips to the emergency vet, the endoscopy, the trips to Petco for toys...

Jenn

not to be as closed minded towards certain things, if it works go with it.

I was ademant DS wasn't having a soother (I presume pacifer is the same thing, looks like a bottle teeth that they suck on for comfort?) the moment i gave him one I got peace.

If the baby is happy or sleeping don't disturb, you just don't know how long it will last or when its going to happen again.

[houseelf]

Both sets of grandparents crack themselves up reminding that our newborn's bassinet advised the hospital's caretakers that "Parents Request No Pacifier". That lasted about 8 hours. Seriously. We *finally* got rid of DS's pacifier when he ....turned four. DD is turning the corner to 2.5 and she's still sucking strong.

Kelly