Tell me good things about having 2 kids!

[Oddsox1]

Unexpectedly pregnant after being sure I was one and done. Freaking out a bit.

Positive things only please! I've already thought of every possible negative!

That wasn't my experience. It was non stop rivalry and fighting. Sibling was always my nemesis the one who hated me the most.

I get the OP wanted positive stories but suggesting that it’s a positive that families who really wanted two children (so perhaps suffered secondary infertility) have to look on in envy at the “perfect family look” in photos is really poor taste.

I only want the one child I have and have no interest in how perfect photos look to others so no skin in the game on that front but it could be really hurtful to someone who desperately wanted a second.

My absolute favourite part of parenting is seeing my two interact with eachother. They're chalk and cheese personality wise, but have so much love for eachother. They are always together, giggling, chatting away, and yes, they argue and make eachother cry occasionally too, but on the whole they are best friends. They look out for eachother at school, and help eachother with everything.

They're a team, they play together and stick up for each other. The eldest learns to share your time and things quite naturally. My eldest was the apple of our eye PFB and actually having a new baby made it less intense and healthier I thought.

They have started to bicker now they are 10 and 12 but I had a decade of peace and fun first!

I love having two and am very grateful.

You get the perfect family look in photos - everything looks balanced and families who have 1 but really wanted 2 look on in envy.

The most ridiculous reason I've possibly ever read. There is no perfect family for a start and you only have to read other posts of mothers (mostly) being frazzled, stressed out, loss of identity, no time for themselves. I'm sure that a stressed out mother doesn't look 'perfect' in a photo.

I am a parent of 1 dc and I've never looked in in envy 🤦‍♀️. Mostly grateful that I don't have to deal with jealousy, fighting, arguments etc.

I have 2 boys now 14 and 17 and feel like it is the perfect number of children to actually make parenting easier. It's not so many its chaotic, but it means they have each other to play with. I always think you must get less down time with one child, whereas I could take mine to the park then sit back with a book while they played together. Or at home they would build lego, jump on the tramp, ride bikes up and down the driveway, make forts under the table ... all that stuff that is just more fun for them if they have a playmate.

Now as teenagers they still get on well most of the time. My youngest has had a tough time with social issues/anxiety and my oldest is a huge support to him, in a way that I can't be. Ie he will take him into town or the mall with him and his own mates, play online games with him, etc. Seeing the bond and love between them and how they look out for each other has been one of the most rewarding parts of it all.

Love having 2- they have eachother, never bored with eachother around to play with and wind up. Holidays especially are so cute with them playing together. They learn skills about sharing and compromise- not going to lie they probably also learn how to hold their own in an argument.

Always having someone to play with - on holiday or during covid this was a particular boon.

Seeing how much they love each other. Watching them hell each other out, have each other's backs.

I know there's no guarantees in sibling relationships, but when the relationship is good, it's a beautiful thing.

Also to add it was refreshing to parent a second time having learned lessons from the first. In some ways more enjoyable.