[nancynic]

Hi,

A poll in Better Homes and Gardens (some time ago) elicited responses from 30,000 readers. This was not a scientific survey but came up with some intereting ideas. A majority reported that they are better parents than their parents were, and said they express more affection. Fifty-one percent described family life as 'chaotic'; sixty-one percept reported better communication; and eighty-eight percent considered themselves good parents.

What do you think?
What makes a home feel chaotic?
When are you most content with your family life?
How have you noticed family life changing since you were a child?

Let us know what you think~

Nancy

[spaypets]

Two big loud dogs wrestling and one yammering toddler!

It's the decible level that makes our house seem crazy. Other than being loud our dogs are really good and our daughter is also good, but when I come home it's to a chorus of woof, woof and her saying up, up, up.

Meanwhile my DH can't get a word in edgewise.

It's not exactly Father Knows Best when I come home although I do have a hot meal waiting. Just wish DH would mix that martini!

[nancynic]

Hi,

Sounds wonderful ... two dogs, a sweet daughter and a DH so excited to see you AND a hot dinner ... couldn't ask for more than that (other than the martini, that is!).

Nancy

[ellia3]

Hi ,

Family life for my daughter is different than my life as a child. I can say I am a good parent( I don't know about better than my parents, but I am wiser. My daughter has two Christian parents and that is truly a blessing for her to grow up in a home where there is the peace and unconditional love of Jesus Christ.

[nancynic]

Hi,

Thanks for your post. We are fortunate to have many more resources for learning about parenting than our parents had, and a home where there is faith benefits both the parents and the child.

Nancy

[rahulsmom]

I think our home is a little less chaotic than what it was for me as a child. A little to do with the fact that we have just one little boy, and not three noisy girls. Though I'm praying for twins, and when they do arrive, I guess I'll be longing for the good old days.

My parents did a fantastic job with us - we have great memories of picnics and family outings though we never had loads of money and I hope to be able to do the same for my kids. The only thing is I wished for more hugs as a kid, now I make sure my son gets plenty. And I tell him how special and loved he is. As I will do for the twins, when they arrive...

[nancynic]

Hi,

Spending time together and lots of affection is so important to children, much more important that lots of money! It has been shown that showing affection to infants not only makes them feel loved and secure, but helps their brains develop!

Twins! How exciting! Do you have names picked out?

Nancy

[rahulsmom]

Hi Nancy,

Am not expecting/pregnant at the moment - but ever since I was a little girl I wanted twins. And I've got most things I've really really wanted and so am hoping and praying that my twins show up sometime soon. Also expect to be on Clomid which I've heard causes multiple births, and so twins are not that impossible, I hope.

Yep, youre right, money is not all that matters, love is so much more important. Thats what I want my kids to learn. Sometimes, my aunt used to say "when theres no money love flies outta the window". That didnt happen with us, having less only made us realise how we have so much more. And we are content...