I wanted them because it was an experience I didn't want to miss out on
and I'm glad I did it.

But it's a personal choice in the same way that someone decides not to have children.

When they were babies I read a great article somewhere about someone who had their child learn to play the viola because apparently it's rarely played alone and he felt that children should learn to be part of society rather than the centre of it. I agree wholeheartedly with that. I'm deeply embarrassed if my sons draw unnecessary attention to themselves or me (how English!). I don't like them talking loudly in public or generally making a nuisance of themselves.
But then I avoid adults who do this too.

They definitely make themselves useful. Some time ago I was in a supermarket with the man and son #2 wanted to run off to get some of the shopping for us so he was sent to get 'cask-conditioned real ale' in the hope that he'd be gone for at least ten minutes and we could get on with buying loo roll and toothpaste. We finally reach the beer aisle and find son #2 (who coincidentally was 10 at the time) surrounded by three members of staff who are all searching for the correct type of beer. He'd commandeered the shelf-stackers.

He'll run the country one day.


So I guess that's why I had children - because they're like me and I think I'm ace!

;)
( chickenlady b3ta's very own Elizabeth Taylor, Thu 15 Jan 2009, 18:59, Reply)