I often fin dit amazing how many people on this forum believe in similar things. I agree that as a parent you don't really know what you are getting yourself into until you are there; in fact I was only saying to my Mum the other day that she 'never warned me that labour was the easy part'! I didn't fuly understand how much time and energy children take up, but I also never expected the 'rewards' of being a parent to be so plentiful or that they woud make the hard times worth it. Whilst Alex and I are not financially well off, we are stable. Neither of us work, but we are lucky enough to live in Australia where the government helps us out with the financial responsibilities of being unemployed (whether a parent or not). My children still have all the possessions they need, most of the ones they want and they have more love than they know what to do with. My eldest son Jackson has just started the terrible twos ( and as much as I love him he drives me mad); which is why I am so lucky to have my partner at home with me; sure we could have more money if we were both working, and we could have great holidays; but I wouldn't trade all of that to miss out on the smiles my boys give me every day.
I agree with Kathy, in that it is a priviledge. A very special one, and one that I am so grateful to have been blessed with.
And to all of you people without children; congratulations on making the right choice for you! Because in the end, it is our decision and we each will make one and will deal with that the best that we know how!
Tammy