Dande & other moms of "older" kids: Q for ya

CubbyMama

When you look back on having babies/toddlers, do you feel like that was the hardest phase so far, or like it was a piece of cake compared to having school-age kids?

I know there are always challenges raising kids and that it's probably never 100% easy, but I'm wondering whether things will feel easier once I'm getting any sleep and once the girls are both older and able to play together, so I don't feel like I have to divide my time/attention between them so often.

Thoughts?

MotherBucker

What becomes difficult changes as they get older.

Sure, you sleep through the night and have no diaper changes, but then you get to deal with back talk, and the challeges that come with adolencense.

 

Some days I would rather change poopy diapers than deal with the teenager crap.

ali-1411

ditto pp.  DS is almost 8 years old...he is the easier kid because he's more self-sufficient than a toddler.  But then there's homework and back-talk and phone calls from the principal because he was drawing on his desk again....  

 

CubbyMama

Yeah, I know every phase definitely has its own challenges!  I guess I'm just hoping that the day-to-day logistics will get easier when I'm not going on no sleep and trying to divide myself between the two of them...

knmommy

I don't think it ever gets easier, just different challenges like the pp's stated.

DandelionMom

We've had easy ages.  I think 5 is a breeze.  Once we were through the kinder transition, the girls were so easy going and low maintenece at that age.  And 8 is a lot of fun but DD was really into testing boundaries.  But 6 was a lot of attitude.  I dread the teen years though! 

Amanda&Chris

3 and 3rd grade were the hardest so far.  But like everyone said, the challenges just change.  Ian is self-sufficient and sleeps so it's not physically exhausting like the newborn/toddler years, but older kids are mentally exhausting.

LeisureSuitLauren

I think it's harder. Babies and small children are simple in my opinion. I never really questioned myself. But now, with Noah, we are always wondering if we're parenting "the right way". I agree with Amanda, much more challenging mentally.

ETA: The most challenging part for me is that I'm unable to meet all of his needs. With the little one's, I can always figure out what they want/need and can fix everything (almost).

hopefulmom

The bigger they get the bigger the problems (school, sex, drugs, alcohol, tobacco use, etc).  I think you worry a LOT more when they are driving...the whole time they are out on the roads.  Even if you know they are good drivers...you know they are inexperienced and are not looking out for the dumb driving of others!  If I hear of an accident on a road I know my now two oldest kids are driving on...I'll call them to make sure they are OK.  They are in their 20's and my DD has a DS of her own...and I still worry.