..On Having Children
By Jusred
@Jusred (1578)
United States
March 15, 2007 2:31pm CST
How many children do you have? And if you don't have any now, do your future plans include them?
Do you think it is easier to raise a boy or a girl, or is there really not that much difference?
I think there is a bigger visible difference between the first and second child, etc, then there is with the gender
-speaking of the early years, of course..
I also believe too many children are being misdiagnosed with ADD and ADHD, and in my opinion, it is mostly due to the earlier and more excessive demands on children
-regarding education. And since boys are more physical and less 'verbal' in the early years, in regards to how they learn, earlier and longer classroom hours make it difficult for them to sit still and concentrate for longer periods of time. I feel kids need more frequent breaks to allow simple 'play', which is how they learn naturally. But the demands of a higher technological world are robbing our children of their childhood. So we diagnose and medicate..It's wrong~
Don't get me wrong..I believe both conditions are real, but i just feel many more than not are misdiagnosed..
They want to place my 4 year old in a gifted program or possibly have him 'skip' kindergarden. I agree with giving him more challenging feedback, if need be..But i will not place him with other children who are older then him. I feel it would affect him emotionally..
What do you have to say about all this~?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@stacyv81 (5903)
• United States
15 Mar 07
I have 2, a 3yr old boy and a 6month old girl. I understand how you feel about putting your kid in a gifted program by son is 3 1/2 and he already knows everything he would need to get into kindegarten except his address and phone number, so I have been thinking about maybe starting him a year early, but I am conflicted on that,as you are. My son was and is an angel, MY daughter just got over colic about a month and a half ago. She is definitely more emotional and needy, which isnt necessarily a bad thing. I love them both, they both like to cuddle and play, I think they are too young yet to answer your question about differences. I have heard though, that boys are harder to raise in the beginning and get a little easier and girls are easier at the beginning and they get harder as time goes on. We'll see =)
2 people like this
@Jusred (1578)
• United States
15 Mar 07
Thank you for your response~
I agree with you about the differences in difficult times to come having a teenage girl as opposed to a teenage boy. I know those years are hard for both genders, but with a girl -I don't need to specify! As for my son, he will not 'allow' any of the other children in his preschool class to answer questions -he 'hogs' it all- and they actually have to tell him to 'be quiet' and let the other kids answer, participate too. He is very hyper, and while the other kids nap on the bus, on the ride back to our town -he is always awake and yelling at the other kids to wake up too..He does have some emotional issues that are obvious within the first 10 min of meeting him. It is embarrassing to take him to the mall, even, because he often wants to yell and start a conversation with every person we pass by..lol..And he's been obsessed with numbers since he was 18 mon old, and was reading whole sentences at age 3. I can only see the drawbacks of forcing him ahead, as with his security issues (his father basically walked away when he was 2) and areas where he needs extra attention. I think every child excells in certain areas, and many times is 'equalled out' with a depletion in others. Thus where they feel he should be placed ahead regarding his education, i fear for the negative consequence's larger effect over what would be gained for him..
I am happy to hear you no longer have to deal with colic! And good luck with your decisions regarding education for your son as well :)
1 person likes this
@cloud_kicker_32 (4635)
• United States
15 Mar 07
hiya..I have one child..hes is 4 yrs old,and i haveno idea if its easier for a girl or boy in raising terms.,but i do know its been a smooth ride for me with my son,.hes very smart,and funny..and listens mostly very well..he isnt mr innocent lol..but hes been a good kid,,I absolutely agree with you on the diagnosis of ADD and ADHD..i do know many kids do have it..but they are just diagnosing it too freely now adays..and as far as your son..im glad hes very smart..and i would do the same thing,,let him be with kids his own age and be a kid now..there will be plenty of hard work when he gets older,,and if he is this smart in say bu the 7th grade then maybe i would think of skipping him..if they ask...he needs his own age of socialization now..they still need to learn that as well..take care Red,,:)
@Jusred (1578)
• United States
18 Mar 07
Agreed, One who Kicks the Clouds! ;)
I just hate how everyone wants to push, push, push your kids to do more..do better..keep up with and surpass the Jones's, always..If the issue again arises for him to skip a grade, i will def make sure it is in the 'older' years of primary education -thus i will leave that decision up to him..
Thank you~
