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'Don't bother me unless you're bleeding.'

I've used this line before, especially when I'm cooking or paying bills.

I have three and a half kids, and virtually all my friends (unless they have 4 or more kids) are condescending and ridicule our decision to have a large family. When I had my son (#3) 20 months ago, many of the people I met said, "Oh, now that you have your son are you done?"

I was happy with two kids, I'm happy with three, and I'll be estatic with four. Being my generation, I do spend more on my kids and less on me, my husband and I have cut back our "dates" from once a month to once a quarter (babysitters are expensive!) and I do play board games with my kids. But, I also tell them no, I'm busy; I'm cooking; I'm resting; I'm taking a private bath and if you come into my bathroom you'd better be bleeding.

My oldest (9) often watches my son (a handful) so I can shower, talk on the phone, read my email, make dinner, or just lie down for ten minutes because I work all day. They have a great relationship. Though 7 years apart, I know that when they are grown they will be very close.

This article is very interesting ... we doted on our first born (as I think most parents do) and she has the hardest time playing alone. She's also the family hypochrondriac. She's also very, very smart and in an advanced class at school. My second we didn't coddle as much. She plays very well alone and has an incredible imagination; even when she's bleeding she says, "I'm not hurt!", and she's still smart. They are both great kids. And my youngest ... he's spoiled rotten by ALL of us, and he'll probably have his nose out of joint when the baby is born, but I think everyone will be just fine.

I guess the point of my story is that love is the single most important ingredient in the family, and my kids have never doubted our love.

Your thought about LOVE in the family is too true!!
We kiss, hug and smothers the kids in love. I even lie in the bed until they fall asleep. However, what I hear from other mothers is that they must put the kids in preschool, soccer, ballet or whatever so they can have some time away!!!! Right in front of the kids!!!! I NEVER have to dump my kids, I can read a book, play on the computer or do laundry with them right there. I want my family to love being with each other, although sometimes my 5 year old takes long bathroom breaks to have alone time from her sister. Sometimes I do too or go to the kitchen to watch the evening news. It doesn't kill any of us.

But, I also tell them no, I'm busy; I'm cooking; I'm resting; I'm taking a private bath and if you come into my bathroom you'd better be bleeding.

I have a friend (with two teenage boys) who wanted some time alone with his wife. He told them BOTH that they better BOTH be on fire to interrupt them, because if only one was on fire, the other boy could put him out! I still laugh at that!