There’s an email joke that’s been passed around millions of times that talks about how new moms tend to be oh-so-protective and then grow more relaxed with each child. It talks about sterilizing everything in the house for that first bundle of joy, and making sure bottles and pacifiers are boiled within an inch of their lives. It says that with the second child, mom will give the nipple a quick rinse under the tap, but by the time she has a third child, she’ll probably just pop it into her own mouth or brush it off on her pants.
If you don’t take it too seriously, it’s funny because it contains a lot of truth. Most moms are far more casual by the time their third or fourth baby comes along. However, there is a difference when mom knows that the last addition to her family is really is her last.
It can be hard to let go and not fall into the trap of babying the last baby. While you may be excited that your little angel is heading off to preschool and you can finally get your career back on track, there is still that sense of apprehension.
It just seems so final. Often, it is this feeling that tempts moms to consider having one more baby. They may not admit it aloud, but for many moms the thought is there. A woman may even casually approach the subject with her husband just to test his reaction.
In many cases, the couple has already seriously considered the issue and has decided that their family is complete. That does not always lessen the tugging of the heartstrings. This is when mom may begin to baby her youngest child and try to hold on to that precious time when her child still needs her the most, and hasn’t been overly influenced by the rest of the world.
It’s hard to let go, but we have to do it. I don’t know if I’m trying to convince other mothers or myself, as my last “baby” heads off to Kindergarten this year.