Dear parents...

of only children,

I appreciate the fact that you are a parent, but I have no sympathy for your complaints of the day to day difficulties you have (unless of course it's something serious then I do). I have three children. I have to divide my time and attention between three kids EVERYDAY. I have to make sure they ALL know that I love each one of them equally. I have to ensure the safety (both mental and physical) of them all. I have to address three different types of personalities and all of their individual issues that go along with them. Their ages vary, so every explanation that I have to give for every major event in life has to be catered to their level of understanding. And of course, one of them has special needs, so dealing with that along with the day to day needs of his siblings is a challenge.

So pardon me if your feelings of woe aren't met with the type of vigor you were expecting. I'm probably too busy thinking of how I can help all three of my kids grow into loving, caring human beings without screwing them up too badly (or one of them is interrupting our conversation).

Don't get me wrong, not all parents of only children are complainers, as a matter of fact I know several who are wonderful parents that do give their undivided attention to their child without the facade that it's a job, or even so much as a "look at me!" I'm talking to the ones who talk about how much work parenting is, but can't turn off the video games, computer, or phone long enough to actually deal with their child, and then wonder why their child is the way they are.

Take your problems, multiply them by three, then talk to me.

~Kim