Is having a child really as life-altering as everyone says it is?

1. 60

   jcoopposted 12 years ago

   Is having a child really as life-altering as everyone says it is?

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2. 0

   AlienWednesdayposted 12 years ago

   YES!  No sleep, responsibility, fear or guilt or sometimes both. Every decision you will ever make in your life hinges on how it affects your child.

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3. 89

   JillKostowposted 12 years ago

   In my opinion, Yes.  After having chidren your perspective on how you look at things changes completely.  Things that you liked to do before take a backseat to the things you love to do after having a child.  Fear increases because you are no longer fearful for yourself but for your child/children as well.  Every emotion is intensified by 10...  Once I had my daughter it made me more emotional than I was before she entered my life.  Just the simple task of watching tv can bring me to tears depending on the subject matter of what I am watching.  It is a new outlook towards the future and the funny thing is that I can't remember what it was like before my children entered my life.  All I know now is that I would not change it for the world!!

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4. 71

   cmlindblomposted 12 years ago

   Yes it is! Not for the bad but good. It's is kind of a pain if you ever want to do anything with (the wife) if your married. You have to always make plans for everything. It's hard to do something on a wim

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5. 78

   JEDIJESSICUHposted 12 years ago

   I'm still pregnant with my first child and I can already say that yes, it is life altering. My husband and I have had to make choices now that we didn't think we'd have to make for a few more years. It really puts your life into perspective. Being a parent means you're responsible for someone else. I love my husband, but I'm not his mother. If he makes a stupid choice, I might have to reap the benefits, but it will mostly affect him. With a child we're tied together because of this kid. We are his life lines. We are basically everything to him. This is a life form who's success as a baby is dependent on whether or not we give him enough love, food, care, shelter, etc.
   
   That can be a scary thought.

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6. 78

   eclecticmeposted 12 years ago

   Before having a child I wondered the same thing. All I can say is that you cannot possibly comprehend just how life altering it will be until you actually become a parent. However, I wouldn't change it for the world.

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7. 75

   moonfairyposted 12 years ago

   You bet, but it's the best! Everything about your life changes, the way you feel, the way you love, the way you live. I believe you can completely love your mate, but the way you love your child is unconditional. When you finally meet the new life you've created, it pretty much blows you away...and you'll never be the same.
   It's perfect love and perfect life.

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8. 90

   Learn Things Webposted 12 years ago

   It's completely life altering. You no longer live for yourself.  Your life largely revolves around the needs of your kids.

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9. 69

   onegoodwomanposted 12 years ago

   Yes, it is..............
   
   before there was my first child...
   
   there was me........
   
   then with her appearance.........
   
   there was everything else......
   
   
   
   YES, children change your life, and they change YOU.
   
   
   From the cost of milk, to heat, or cooling, to the cost of diapers, to running water, to politics..............YES, having a child changes YOU........in ways, that even I can not recall.
   
   Life is not about "me" anymore.......it is about someone else and their needs..........I  will forego shoes, skirts, make up, manicures, pedicures, fast and fashionable cars,..........
   
   
   Some little being, unable to speak........needs me, to speak up for them..........oh, yeah, a child changes you and your perspectives.   You CAN NOT be ready for the change.......you can not.
   
   
   Just stand up , and accept the slapping of the face!
   
   Just stand up and put that tiny person above your own comforts........we all do it. 
   We are all the greater for doing it.
   
   Yes, a babe in the midst, changes life, and he or she changes you. 
   
   Within the very first year...........you will not be able to remember life without this little person......He or she........WILL become the focus of your life.
   
   Sit back, and enjoy the ride!

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10. 61

    Nefarious_Miseryposted 12 years ago

    Seriously?
    
    Lets see.
    
    Before children
    Parties, drinking, staying out all night, clean orderly house, lots of money.
    
    After children
    Haven't partied in years, I do drink, but only to keep from killing my offspring. Staying out all night mean's I'm working two jobs. Any and all order has left my life, there are several rooms in my house where I don't remember what color carpet was under all the clothes. And money HA! If I ever  had two nickles to rub together I would have ten cents.

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11. 81

    jacqui2011posted 12 years ago

    I think it is life-changing, as your whole outlook on life changes. Kids are very demanding and challenging (as well as expensive). It is so worth it though. Every stage in their life is a milestone and to watch your child grow and develop is an amazing experience. There is a lot of responsibility as you are bringing a life into the world that is totally dependent on you. Being able to have a child,  and to love, nurture and keep it safe is the best and most gratifying feeling in the world. I can't ever imagine life without my two precious daughters who are 16 and 10 now. They are less dependent on me now, but have grown into confident, healthy and loving daughters. Giving the gift of life is the most precious experience you can ever have.

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    Monisajdaposted 12 years ago

    Yes, besides the fact that you don't live for yourself any more you love these tiny people more than yourself. That is life-changing! Before the kids, when I wondered what would I save from a house on fire I thought about my paintings and valuables. Now, the answer to this question would be: my daughters!

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    whoisbidposted 12 years ago

    Most definitely for me. Children have changed so many things in my perception. It is wonderful to be able to see yourself in the past in your child and be reminded of who you were and are.

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