What are the pros and cons of the second child?

[Waiting4girl]

We are thinking of having a second child and I wanted to find out what is good and what is bad about having a second one.

I want a little sister or brother for my girl, but I am afraid I might not be up to it. I thought maybe it would be a bit better because the children will play with each other an I will not have to do all of the entertaining. But on the other hand I have heard that it is more than twice as hard with two. Also I am nearly 40 and might find it really hard to run around after a toddler with a pregnant belly.

How did others find it?

[mum2bubba]

For me I find it harder at times. When it was just Hayley she could entertain herself and was quite a placid baby, with Skye she is the complete opposite. My two can't really play that much together (usually they love running around the house and one of them ends up getting hurt) and Hayley tends to egg Skye on a fair bit (like getting into cupboards and trying to jump on the bed :rolleyes:) there are great things about having the two though as well. They love talking to one another and giving one another cuddles and kisses. I can't wait til they're both old enough to play games together one day but for now I have an almost 4 year old and a 14 month old who at times love each other and other times annoy each other (I'm sure that will continue until they're adults too)

[Fuchsia!]

Cons

Less time with your 1st born
Cost more
Harder work
More mess!!
Less time for yourself


Pros
DOUBLE THE LOVE!!!!

[ThisIsLiving]

Cons

Less time with your 1st born
Cost more
Harder work
More mess!!
Less time for yourself


Pros
DOUBLE THE LOVE!!!!

:iagree: :iagree:Everything Jaxcoop said.

PS: Even on my worst days where I am tearing my hair out wondering what on earth I did with all of my time when I only had one child, I find that "double the love" more than makes up for the cons. :yes:

All the best with your big decision. You will instinctively know when/if you are ready to add to your family. :flowerz: :goodvibes:

[Tina33]

There was no pro or con for me..it is harder but it's double the satisfaction..

My babies are 3 and 18 mths..they fight but they play together as well..it will and can only get better...:thumbsup::hugs:

Good Luck..;)

[mysonroger]

oh wow! cons with having a second child?....now i've heard everything!

[mum_inlove]

There were no pros and cons for us, either.

There are 16 months gap between our two. So in a way, my 1st born is still a baby as well. Pregnancy was better than I expected, maybe running around after ds helped me staying fit.

We just make sure that we're financially ready to provide for another child, so we budget better.

As for the work, I don't find it harder, just busier. 1-3pm everyday is my time to sit down and relax as my kids asleep, but other than that is go, go, go.

But I love it, especially as their own personalities develop, they're amaze me everyday..:yes:

[Mrs Potts]

I had a 5 yr gap between #1 & 2 and that was easy. #1 was big enough to help out a bit, and was able to amuse himself and do things for himself. Going from 1 to 2 was made easier by the fact that DS was at school too.

I'm now 37 and pregnant with #3. DS is 7 and DD is about to turn 2. This is by far my hardest pregnancy - I've never had to do it while wrangling a toddler before, and it's hard work (and she isn't demanding at all, either!).

[Waiting4girl]

Thanks everyone. It helps to get feedback. I think I will have to be careful with money because it sounds like I will not have time to work again until #1 is at school. She would be at least 3 when #2 arrives, so I suppose it's only a year or so after that 'til she's in prep.

Keep the feedback coming please, because fore-warned is fore-armed.

[GeorgeousGirlBubbas]

Its all pros for me! I have exhausting horrible days, and we will never be rich financially but we will be rich with love and i definately couldn't imagine life without them :)