Is it really different when it's your own?

[KimR]

Completely different. It scares me sometimes to think how close I came to never having kids at all. I'm really not a 'kid' person and I've never enjoyed being around other people's children, especially when they are loud and rambunctious. But now I have 3 girls and I love spending time with them. I don't even like when they go to sleepovers - I know I am supposed to enjoy the break, but I just love having them around!

 

[pearlieq]

Oh thank God!

I was getting very worried--having these horrible visions of coming home from the hospital with the baby and starting to wonder when its parents were coming back to pick it up!

Several posters have made a good point--I guess as the sitter you are a novelty, and I've always felt compelled to give my undivided attention to the kids for the whole time I was there. I can see where if it's your own kids they're not "on" you quite as much.

DH and I did once take our teenaged godkids to WDW for a week and it went pretty well. There was one night where I needed him to make the children go away for a while, but they went mini golfing and I got a nap and things were fine after that.

I guess there's hope for us yet! Thank you very much for the perspective!

 

[RadioNate]

It is different, but I'll be the 1st to say that there are times when you want to send your own children away. At least I do. Maybe I'm a horrible mom. But that's why they have school, parent's day out programs, and overnights with grandparents. That's when you send them outside to play. The good news is that after a little while you always want them back.

 

[Bob Slydell]

It is different, but I'll be the 1st to say that there are times when you want to send your own children away. At least I do. Maybe I'm a horrible mom. But that's why they have school, parent's day out programs, and overnights with grandparents. That's when you send them outside to play. The good news is that after a little while you always want them back.

No, you're not the only one who has those days and it certainly doesn't make you a bad mom.

Funny thing is, someone mentioned that when they're your kids they don't expect your constant attention (which is true most of the time), but I've found that one of the best ways to get stuff done around the house is have DS' friends come over to play (assuming it's not nice enough outside for them to play). They keep each other company and generally stay out of my way). Then again, DS' friends are good kids who I love to see.

 

[cardaway]

It must be. No other explanation for why somebody would go from carpet creep anti-mom to being another bragging mom in just a few short years.

 

[paigevz]

Totally different. You have your days, of course, when you want a little time, but hopefully your spouse can take up the slack on those days. You love those little buggers so much you'll do things that are unthinkable with other folks' kids..............cleaning up puke and changing diapers become less "eeewww" and more "poor little thing".