...because I have an only child?
DS is 5 and because of fertility issues he will always be an only child. Today we were at a class party, and some of the mums were discussing how tired they were as their younger children weren't sleeping. I agreed that it was indeed hard work, just general chit chat as you do, mentioned that a Gro Clock had worked wonders with DS. One of the mums then pointed out she'd have to get 3, one for each of her kids, and said I was "lucky" to only have one child and that I'd "know all about it" if I had another. The other mums agreed. It wasn't said in a nasty way, but basically the implication was that I couldn't possibly know what it's like to be tired, because I only have the one child.
I have noticed this before among this group of women and in society in general. There's an idea that parents of onlies have it easy, almost that they aren't a proper family because of it. I've had loads of comments along the lines of "wait until you have had another" and I feel that my experiences of parenting are seen as not as valid as someone who has two or more.
The more I think about it, the more cross I feel. The women in question at the party are all SAHMS, but I've always worked/studied after having DS, including long shifts where I was constantly on my feet and didn't finish work until 3am, then would have to get up with DS at 7am while DH went to work. I'm not making this a sahm vs wahm thing, but I'm pointing out that it's swings and roundabouts because all families have such different set ups that make things harder or easier. Also two or three kids will play together while my son sees me as his source of constant entertainment!