Parental Regret

 A new revelation that we've always known but would never say, is that many today-parents admit that they regret having had children. Why? " It's too darn hard" is the bare answer. Some of the working couples ( aren't they all?) say that they decided to have offspring because it seemed right at the time, but they didn't know how difficult it was to cope with work, play and kids. Ahem, ahem. No parents do, because all babies, all children are not the same. Sometimes it's easy and the baby sleeps, and other times, the baby "never" sleeps. One father who says he "loves" his little daughter, says that he becomes bored playing with her after about twenty minutes. Boo and hoo. Could be that his little girl is also bored. Most youngsters have an attention span of ten minutes or less. Just ask the kindergarten teacher. In fact, asking is the best education. Speak to other parents in a broad poll. Read how to play with children. Read about their psychology - it's not the same as an adult's nor a teenager's. They are all different. And most of all, stop thinking that you have to have a PHD in parenthood. Just relax and stop trying to do the modern "if I am not perfect, I'm no good" thing. Children are flexible like no adult can be. Also, you are not your child's slave. You don't need to be at them, entertaining them all the time. They're kids. Let them be kids. Just be around. Never say " I don't have time for this" because you do, and the first rule is JUST LISTEN, NOT TALK. Listening to some parents means, constantly blabbling at their kids. You hear it in stores. If there's a tantrum. Easy.  YOU are the parent, do what works and talking doesn't. Remove the scene - is what works and I do not mean punishment. Removal and no talking gives you the power. Act, don't yak.  Please. The joy of having a child isn't peace and order always; it's something much bigger and more beautiful. It's the love, the hugs, the closeness that will last all your life if you  love back. Use " I love you" and simply be there to listen without talking.  Answer questions, keep it short and don't threaten and preach. When you're the old parent, that's when there is a return. Maybe not before.