What do you regret the most about being a parent? The time you missed out on?

I don't want to toot my horn. But because I was not given the love and care when I was growing up. I was extra careful to give it to my children, and was always there for them. We had great communication. It was a happy home. I was divorced with 7 children, had to work to support them. I always made sure I took a job that allowed me to be home before they came home from school. Even though because of it my income was not that great. But children, need more love, care understanding than material things.

They are all married now, and have children of their own. They are all wonderful fathers, and husbands. Yes I had 7 boys. I guess I always thought the next one would be a girl.

The only thing I can remember that I regret is that when I had my first born I did not know anything about infants. So when I came home from the hospital with him, and I diapered him. I used alcohol to clean his bottom. Well he was screaming the whole night, and I didn't know that his bottom was burning him. My older sister came over the next day, and somehow found out what the problem was. So that is the only thing I can say that I regret.

The only thing that I regret is not preparing more in advance. Especially where finances were concerned. I wanted to be a stay at home mom, and I am, but we didn't save up any money before our son was born, and it has been very rough at times. I have no regrets at all as far as my son is concerned. I just wish things were easier at home, because I know I am a better parent when I'm not stressed over money. I also we could give him more things that he wants.

Although I have a bf i am a single mom with 2 kids. With my job I am constantly on the road travelling. I wish that I could be home with them more. I also think that I am probably more strict with them then I should be and am trying to change that fact. It is true that you turn out to be like yourt parents. I have never missed my kids birthday. I always make sure that I get those days off. Their birthdays are like a sacred holiday for the 3 of us. I am trying to achieve my goals ( going back to college at the age of 26) so that they know that no matter what all they have to do is have dreams and goals and strive for them. If I did things over then my kids wouldn't be who they are today. Or at least I don't think they would be

I would not trade being a parent for anything in the world.....although I wish that I would have waited until I was at least 22 to have kids...So my husband and I could have had some time to ourselves for a few years....We were married in 2000 and I was pregnant in 2001. Not enough together time with just us...

But we love our kids and would not change our life for anything

We have endured a lot of hardships with our first born having a heart condition ...and haveing to have surgery...God got us through all of or trials and by the grace of God our son is still here with us. He has had several health problems.....God blessed us with a Down Syndrome child which takes a special person....I love our life for we are richly blessed....remeber take things one day at a time....You never know how much time you have with your children so cherish everyday! Good Luck!

The only regret is that I was dumb enough to give her the fathers last night and then I kicked him out 2 years later. Now at 6 its been over 2 years since he has seen or talked to her. I should of cut him off from the get go. That is my only regret.

What do I regret? WOW!

All of things you mention I would actually do less of.

When my children were children, I focused intensely on their birthdays, on Christmas and every other special day. I did without to buy them gifts and make them happy.

When my children were children, I sat up nights typing term papers. I pulled all-nighters helping them to get that all important science project done in time.

When my children were children, I fought for them when I believed they were wronged. I defended them and stood by them no matter what. I demanded fairness in their relation ships with each other.

When my children were children, I let the housework go to play the never ending Chutes and Ladders. We finger painted the tile walls in the bathroom. We played school and made cookies and ran through the sprinkler.

And now my children are no longer children. And guess what?

They still rely upon Mom to solve their problems. Mom has always been there and always will be.

They expect the world to be fair. . . and it is not!!!!!

They expect their needs to be satisfied before all else.

So, If you have children and you love them, you will not always be there. You will allow them to develop their independence. That will be the greatest gift... that and your love.

Honestly, my children have turned out pretty nicely - they are 18 and 22 year old boys. They don't smoke, drink, take drugs,or behave irresponsibly.

They are well behaved, courteous, and can cook, clean, and do laundry. So far, all their girlfriends still like them even though they no longer date. [ they seem to have good taste!]

I would have encouraged learning as a more rewarding experience [ more positive reinforcement in learning to read/reading for pleasure; add-subtract-multiply-divide, etc.]

Don't give them too much money or too much spare time - those kids are the ones who get in trouble!

My son is only 29 months old as of now but I do not think I have left out on anything from the day I came to know about my pregnancy till today . But I know a few years down the line I am going to regret not having a second child & depriving him of a brother/sis. A younger brother/sister who cover him up infront of me(& my husband) when he goes for a party though we feel he is still in the school having group studies. A sibling who cheers him up when we scold him(if ever :) ), to whom he can tell his secrets, about his ambitions in life, his dreams, his first crush, his first girl friend etc.... Someone to whom he will be like a father figure. Though I am like a World to my son, I make sure he does not misses upon any thing or any relation, I am his mom, his friend, his sis, his brother, his star, his moon, his Universe but I know I am goin to regret not giving my child a family member to whom he can mean all this.

The things I regret most when my kids were younger was being more their Mom instead of trying to be their friend...My kids are grown now, and although they are good kids, they are lazy..I had to work when they were babies and instead of getting a good job with benefits, I worked local restaurants , so I could be closer to them ..I dont regret this..But just a little advice to you young people with children..Love them alot, and show them you love them, but make them mind you and get their respect..It will be worth it one day...Be their parents, not their friends..

My wife and I are both working parents. Our kids are in a phenominal day care.

I have no regrets. We're doing everything right.