Challenges in Life: Raising Children
Challenges in Life: Raising Children
By Allan Olson
Life is full of challenges. That is one of the many things we are guaranteed – we will all face challenges.
In my house, the challenge is finding a dull moment. No easy feat while raising four young children. Life was simpler when it was just my wife and I. Not nearly as entertaining, but simpler.
A few years of just “us,” and then we were joined by my oldest (and soon-to-be-eight) Nikolai.
We clung on every gurgle, coo, and smile. Then he started talking and becoming more like a little kid. Now he is a young boy turning into a little man.
Of course, this isn’t without its pitfalls, either, as we argue about doing chores or homework – things most children avoid. I know I certainly did!
It’s amazing how time flies so fast. He went from a baby to a second grader in a small space of time.
Now, I just shake my head at his fascination with all things non-fiction. He fills his head with factoids that at one point I had to look up to verify. I have learned to accept what he says at face value, unless it seems a little too unreal.
A few years after Nikolai, we were joined by our twins, Abigail and Marcus, now four.
“I’m not little, I’m big,” they both constantly remind me.
The day we learned in the ultrasound room that we were having twins was a total shock. I couldn’t speak or move for what felt like an eternity. The technician assured us it was no joke.
Our life took a major roller coaster ride at that point. We went from having one easy-going, mild-mannered little boy, to three kids ages three and under.
Abigail is our “life-is-a-blast” girl. She lives her life full speed ahead. When she first started walking, she wanted to run. She wasn’t content with taking a couple small steps.
Now, at the age of four, she is seldom satisfied with just walking or running; she usually needs to have a bounce in her step.
She is one who appears to never listen, but is almost always absorbing what’s happening around her.
Marcus is “Mr. Serious,” as I call him. His first steps were slow and carefully planned.
In the last year he has begun to think he is the funniest little boy, and often has a mischievous look about him.
Just over three years ago, our last child, another beautiful girl, Alivia, was born.
Without a doubt, she is our most strong-willed and stubborn child.
She can be fiercely independent one moment, but the very next can’t take a single step without assistance.
She, too, claims that she is no longer little. “I’m big,” she often says, correcting me if I incorrectly use the word “little.”
For me, the greatest sound in the whole world is listening to my children playing, fighting and sleeping.
Our days at home are often filled with sounds of laughter, changing to tears, back to laughter, and yes, frustration. As all parents know, one or several kids are all capable of, and often do, drive you crazy.
Do I miss the simpler days of just my wife and I, or even just one kid? I can say without a doubt that my life wouldn't be complete without my four kids. I wouldn't trade any of them – at least not permanently – for a duller life.
By Allan Olson
Life is full of challenges. That is one of the many things we are guaranteed – we will all face challenges.
In my house, the challenge is finding a dull moment. No easy feat while raising four young children. Life was simpler when it was just my wife and I. Not nearly as entertaining, but simpler.
A few years of just “us,” and then we were joined by my oldest (and soon-to-be-eight) Nikolai.
We clung on every gurgle, coo, and smile. Then he started talking and becoming more like a little kid. Now he is a young boy turning into a little man.
Of course, this isn’t without its pitfalls, either, as we argue about doing chores or homework – things most children avoid. I know I certainly did!
It’s amazing how time flies so fast. He went from a baby to a second grader in a small space of time.
Now, I just shake my head at his fascination with all things non-fiction. He fills his head with factoids that at one point I had to look up to verify. I have learned to accept what he says at face value, unless it seems a little too unreal.
A few years after Nikolai, we were joined by our twins, Abigail and Marcus, now four.
“I’m not little, I’m big,” they both constantly remind me.
The day we learned in the ultrasound room that we were having twins was a total shock. I couldn’t speak or move for what felt like an eternity. The technician assured us it was no joke.
Our life took a major roller coaster ride at that point. We went from having one easy-going, mild-mannered little boy, to three kids ages three and under.
Abigail is our “life-is-a-blast” girl. She lives her life full speed ahead. When she first started walking, she wanted to run. She wasn’t content with taking a couple small steps.
Now, at the age of four, she is seldom satisfied with just walking or running; she usually needs to have a bounce in her step.
She is one who appears to never listen, but is almost always absorbing what’s happening around her.
Marcus is “Mr. Serious,” as I call him. His first steps were slow and carefully planned.
In the last year he has begun to think he is the funniest little boy, and often has a mischievous look about him.
Just over three years ago, our last child, another beautiful girl, Alivia, was born.
Without a doubt, she is our most strong-willed and stubborn child.
She can be fiercely independent one moment, but the very next can’t take a single step without assistance.
She, too, claims that she is no longer little. “I’m big,” she often says, correcting me if I incorrectly use the word “little.”
For me, the greatest sound in the whole world is listening to my children playing, fighting and sleeping.
Our days at home are often filled with sounds of laughter, changing to tears, back to laughter, and yes, frustration. As all parents know, one or several kids are all capable of, and often do, drive you crazy.
Do I miss the simpler days of just my wife and I, or even just one kid? I can say without a doubt that my life wouldn't be complete without my four kids. I wouldn't trade any of them – at least not permanently – for a duller life.
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