Does anyone wish they had stopped at one?

[Writerwannabe83]

I know it doesn't mean you don't love your subsequent children (obviously) but does anyone ever secretly think to themselves they wished they'd stopped at just the first child?

Me and DH always agreed we'd just have one but I've been thinking lately about having a 2nd some time in the future. DS is almost 6 months and certainly hasn't been the easiest baby and I worry that if I have another it will come with a whole host of problems and I will secretly wish I could turn the clock back.

My second was a harder baby. But she's 2 now and no I do not regret it at all.

When she was little, I knew it wouldn't last forever which made it easier. With your first it feels never ending.

Never. I am sure life would be easier but not half the fun. Mine are close in age and best buddies

What have been the issues with your first? Would you cope if you experienced them again?

Second was easier for me on all sorts of levels, not least because you know what you are doing, worry less and as another poster said you know it won't last forever when you do reach hard times!

I am finding having a baby and a toddler very, very difficult - much worse and more of a shock to the system than having just one. I have moments where I regret the second, definitely. But I think that is just because I'm so tired and sick of the baby stage. I imagine when they are, say, 3 and 5 it will be easier/more fun.

It's really great once year 1 is over, baby eats food, walks and the two play together. Trust me

I'm really hanging out for that year one mark, ladybirdandsnails, I remember it getting easier at that point with the first. Good to hear there's light at the end of the tunnel.

Meh, everything is tricky sometimes.
Might be that you don't get the choice

Don't start worrying yet writer!

By the time they get to nursery / school and on it's brilliant having two close - constant play mate

I don't regret either of my children but there's no denying that things would have been easier if I stuck to just one. My first needs a lot of attention and finically we would obviously be much better off.

God no, having DS2 restored my faith in the universe!

DS1 is 2.3 and was a nightmare baby and I've pretty much blocked out the first 6-8 months of his life it was so bad. We figured if we could handle him as a baby, a second one couldn't be any worse and we were right!

DS2 is now 6.5 months and an absolute joy. It's actually been easier with two than it was with just one when DS1 was little. With DS2 I've actually understood why some people like babies and enjoy having them! Apparently, some babies actually sleep and don't scream all the time - who knew

Yes, there are difficult times, but usually one or other of them is being cute when the other is being a pain in the arse

North, I know how you feel... DC1 was a poor sleeper, a mega screamer and went on to be SuperTantrumToddler. Is maturing nicely now, at long bloody last (late teens).

The others were stacks easier. If I'd stopped at one, I'd never have had them.

Never. I am so pleased I had a third as we were worried it may be too much. They are such good playmates. My eldest has just started school and when she is there my DC2 is a bit lost without her. The youngest is a baby so not as much fun yet. No activity, trip out, play in the park is as such fun when one of the DCs is missing.