So... what do you folks with babies do with them for fun once the fascination wears off?

[MiddleFingerMom]

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[BlancheSplanchnik]

1. couldn't tell ya...

since as far as I'm concerned, they're smelly, dull, a money pit, and the biggest hassle on earth. Worst thing you could do to yourself or the environment.



*she said, perhaps a bit too honestly, at the risk of alienating a lot of nice people*

[mike_c]

2. individually, they're ok as door stops, or wheel chocks, but a stack of them is GREAT...

...for stepping up to reach the tops of cabinets, changing light bulbs, and the like. Extras are alway's good for bouncing off the neighbors' roofs at night, ha-ha. That's a GREAT prank!

[XemaSab]

18. The best prank

is to smuggle the frozen carcasses into the freezer at school where you know they won't be found for several years. :hide:

[uncommon]

3. lmao - I have one (well, she is 6 now) and I still think that was right on point. nt

[BlancheSplanchnik]

5. oh hey the fun doesn't stop once they're older!

then you get to experience ingratitude, being taken for granted and expensive crises!





from my observations (I am happily childfree!)

[HERVEPA]

22. They take you out of yourself.

I guess that doesn't appeal to you. Pretty disgusting description.
This weekend I'll be visiting my 2 year old granddaughter and six week old granddaughter.
Nothing greater than hearing the two year old talking to herself on the monitor when she wakes up and seeing the smile on her face when I go in to take care of her.
I totally understand people not wanting children, but not such a disgusting description of them.

[MiddleFingerMom]

23. Is that what MiddleFingerMomMom meant when she said...

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..."YOU KIDS ARE GOING TO DRIVE ME RIGHT OUT OF MY MIND!!!!"
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She didn't say that often.
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Just when we were awake.
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[nomorenomore08]

28. Maybe you're right, but childless people do get a lot of shit for no good reason.

So perhaps that makes some of them a wee bit defensive...

[HERVEPA]

30. I understand your point,

and see nothing wrong in any way with deciding to be childless.
It was just the way the thoughts were expressed, presumably not sarcastically, that disgusted me.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

31. Insults and simpering have never really impressed me.

Are you replying to me by mistake? Rather than other more inflammatory posts here? Because if you think my fair description of my perception--unvarnished realities of child raising-- is "sick", then you have a very low threshold for outrage.



Maybe you'd be more comfortable with the likes of Dr Maria New, an endocrine researcher who is trying hormone experiments on pregnant women to prevent girl fetuses from exhibiting disinterest in getting married and performing the traditional child-care/housewife role.

Read more: http://www.thehastingscenter.org/Bioethicsforum/Post.aspx?id=4754#ixzz0tlJatu1i


Pediatric endocrinologist Maria New—of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Florida International University—isn't just trying to prevent lesbianism by treating pregnant women with an experimental hormone. She's also trying to prevent the births of girls who display an "abnormal" disinterest in babies, don't want to play with girls' toys or become mothers, and whose "career preferences" are deemed too "masculine." http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2010/06/29/doctor-treating-pregnant-women-with-experimental-drug-to-prevent-lesbianism

Douchebag Decree: Dr. Maria New, In Utero Gender Norm Enforcer!
Science and Politics post by Kelsey Wallace, July 1, 2010 - 6:20pm; tagged endocrinology, gender, lesbians, Maria New.

You know how in Gattaca doctors used hormones to control the personalities of fetuses, ensuring a creepily uniform generation of "perfect" people, like the guy who plays Ethan Hawke's brother in the movie? Well, now there is a doctor who is attempting to do something similar by eradicating non-"feminine" traits in female fetuses—an "abnormal" disinterest in babies, not wanting to play with girls' toys or become mothers, "career preferences" that are deemed too "masculine"—and she's this week's Douchebag Decree recipient. Dr. Maria New, come on down!

That's right—Pediatric endocrinologist Maria New, of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Florida International University, is using a hormonal drug called dexamethasone, or "dex", to regulate prenatal androgens in female fetuses that may have a form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). What this means in terms us non-endocrinologists can understand is that New is hoping this hormone therapy will eradicate female tendencies toward childlessness, masculine career choices, and even bisexuality or homosexuality. The real breakdown? New and her colleagues want to prevent females from being "too masculine" starting in the womb. http://bitchmagazine.org/post/douchebag-decree-dr-maria-new-in-utero-gender-norm-enforcer

[HERVEPA]

32. Well, I wasn't really trying to impress you actually.

"since as far as I'm concerned, they're smelly, dull, a money pit, and the biggest hassle on earth. Worst thing you could do to yourself or the environment".

First, I have no idea how what a few wacko doctors may be doing is relevant to this discussion.

Second,

Smelly? Just for the few total minutes a day you may be changing a dirty diaper.
Dull? Seems like you're not looking closely. From newborn through the rest of their lives
they are very interesting, if you are open enough to know what to look for.
A money pit? The word "pit" implies to me that they're aren't worth the money. Pretty sad
thought.
Biggest Hassle on Earth?
Can certainly be a hassle, but can also being the great things on earth, as I
consider my two wonderful kids and two grandkids.


I am curious. I assume you don't have children, or perhaps had children who were difficult for you. I'm guessing the former.

If the former, it is certainly good that you are not having children, a perfectly reasonable choice of course, for your sake and especially theirs.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

33. Madam, the difference here is I cast no aspersions on you (people who like children)

And I made no extreme jokes involving violent imagery!

Yet you seem to be intent on demonizing me and making ugly inferences about me (couched in the sweetest
tones, of course. Similar to the "jesus loves you" tossed out as a pious slap by certain more-virtuous-than-thou evangelicals)

Your unprovoked need to attack me and crow about your superiority because you embrace traditional womanly values sounds quite defensive.

The wacko doctor was given as an extreme example of the controlling sort of personality who must set the non-traditional to rights.

Once you're done huffing self-righteously at me for having such gall, perhaps you'll notice your own similar motivation. It's quite glaring.

[HERVEPA]

40. Uh, I'm a guy. Why would you assume I'm female?

You could have checked my profile, of course.

And contrary to what I think are your assertions, I think deciding not to have kids is a totally valid choice, that should need no explaining or defending.

All that said, you seem to have some really extreme anger issues. I hope you can learn to deal with them.

BTW I am pro-choice, and volunteer as a patient escort at Planned Parenthood, so don't pull "Jesus Loves You" crap on me, I hear it from those hypocrite antis.

I am not casting aspersions, by the way, on people who do not like children. I am talking about a specific person, you, who made ugly comments in a non-joking manner.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

41. ok, I didn't check your profile.

There are other people here who made very over-the-top jokes, and others who have stated similar opinions to mine about kids, so again, your singling me out seems weird.

People who dislike kids usually have reasons, often similar to mine; I stated some of them. I'm glad you support other people's preferences, however it does seem that you don't like those reasons being spoken out loud.

Anyway, a big kudos to you for supporting Planned Parenthood!! If the nearest PP were closer than 3 hours from here, I would do the same. I support by donating money.






Anyway, I'm standing by everything else I said, because I was responding to how you sounded--and you don't sound any different.

[Amaya]

35. i bet you smell great

thank you for not being a parent :)

[BlancheSplanchnik]

37. i shower daily so I'd guess I smell similar to you.

However, I don't go attacking people for having different preferences than me, as long as those preferences do no harm.

Speaking of harm, had a good think lately about where overpopulation comes from?




I'm also curious--with all the really anti-baby jokes here, what made you feel it was specifically me you needed to attack?

[HERVEPA]

39. The really anti-baby jokes here are put forth as jokes.

It seems yours comments were not put forth as jokes.
Get the difference?

[BlancheSplanchnik]

42. please refer to reply to your other post a moment ago.

the really over the top jokes felt uncomfortable even to me, and I don't like kids. But they were ok with you.

so......

:shrug:

[HERVEPA]

44. They were jokes. Your comments weren't. (nt)

[BlancheSplanchnik]

46. so, anything's ok, as long as it's a joke? "Dull, expensive" is seditious, while "bald, slimy"

talcum-powder-shit smelling" or "door stops, wheel chocks, no-kill shelters" etc. is just cute silliness? A jesting tone is never used to hide real aggression, according to you? Or something?

Again, you haven't taken a little stroll through this thread and jumped on the several other people who don't have a rosy view of children and didn't hide it behind violent jokes.... makes no sense. Makes it look like you .... what, are afraid to harass someone else? You started with me and just can't let it go or respond to my valid questions?

guess I'll have to add a smiley-devil to anything I say, then I'll have carte blanche to say things that really ARE sick, according to you.





I suspect you're never going to stop and think through the logical failures in your accusations against me, so productive discourse just ain't gonna happen. fare thee well.

[HERVEPA]

50. Adieu

[Kali]

38. WRONG

NEVER dull

otherwise you called it pretty well, sorry some don't see the humor and don't admit the full truth along with the positive things
they are right about those and you may be not seeing them, but to deny smelly, money pit, big hassle?:rofl:

[BlancheSplanchnik]

47. dull conversation, I meant...baby talk just goes nowhere for me.

I can't bear it.

god, the friggen irrational attacks on me as a person just because I call it like I see it, and speak some truth while I'm at it...... x(
Yeesh, I better go re-study "reaction formation", just to remember not to take this shit personally.

Childrearing just doesn't feed my soul, never has, and thank god I was strong enough in that to not be pressured into fooling myself into buying the womanhood=babies=greatest fulfillment garbage. In truth it involves a lot of drudgery, and not everyone finds the satisfactions enough to compensate for that.

No wonder the subject of over-population, discrimination against the childfree and the question of realistic sex and parenting education can't even get a proper hearing in this country.

[Flying Dream Blues]

54. For what it's worth, I found your comments simply honest.

I respect your feelings and don't think anyone should be made to feel badly for not caring about having children. Good grief, it's not like there's a shortage of the little monsters. :)

Hope you have a great day, Blanche.
:hi: :hug:

[BlancheSplanchnik]

59. Thank You, Flying Dream Blues!!

I really appreciate it! It's bizarre, the irrational aggression that centered on me here........

I think I might just have been saying out loud things that many people refuse to admit..... I have met enough women who are miserable in their role as mom to know it's not just an aberation. So many of them in pink-collar ghetto work, no hope of career advancement and feeling very much like servants to their family, their own dreams sacrificed the moment they started having kids.

And, every one I've heard this from were also racked with guilt after saying it. They backtracked desperately to cover up what they just said, so as not to appear to be a bad mother. Women are expected to sacrifice and love doing it.. It's just sad that so many enter the situation with no concept of whether they really want the mothering role--whether it really feeds their soul or not.

The knee-jerk reaction, the pile-ons to shut up anyone who broaches another side to the story is very revealing. And sad.

And, as you said, it's not like there's a shortage of them.



yeesh, this is the lounge, I thought I was just goofing around when I replied to this thread in the first place!


Have a terrific day yourself!
:pals: :D

[noamnety]

4. I take mine to a no kill shelter. (nt)

[NewJeffCT]

6. You throw the baby out with the bathwater

right?

[asdjrocky]

7. Two words-

Tether Ball.

[ismnotwasm]

8. You wait. You plan. You plot

And when and if, that magically time comes when you're a grandmother, you spend as much or as little time with them as you choose, fill them with indulgence and sugar and attitude


And give them back.

[Iggo]

9. They make excellent throw pillows. (n/t)

[cbdo2007]

10. I was taking care of our one month old on Sunday and was looking for things to do....

so we got on Netflix and watched some old Beavis & Butthead episodes and then the movie Amadeus. She seemed to enjoy them, I think.

[Kali]

11. ....

:spray:

"...race 'em or make 'em fight or something."

[Old Troop]

12. Theirs or yours?

[kimi]

13. Give em to the cats to raise

All 5 boys are now in their 20's, and I must say that the cats did excellent work.

[MissMillie]

14. well, my experience is

that when the fun wears off, they're not babies anymore, then a whole new set of fun sets in

[applegrove]

15. SNL had a skit one time where two fashionista women were talking fashion. One of them said "children

make the best accessories". LOL!

[rug]

16. .

[MiddleFingerMom]

52. THAT was brilliant!!!!!!

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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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[nickinSTL]

17. got to say...

I have friends with 3 kids - the youngest is a year old.

The dad is just as fascinated by the little guy as ever. The 2 older ones are 8 and 4 and when I'm there, they seem to be just constantly annoying.

Apparently, the fascination doesn't wear off until they're old enough to talk. Until then, they're ok.

Once they start talking, apparently sending them to their rooms on a regular basis is how you deal with them until they're old enough to not suck anymore :evilgrin:

[blogslut]

19. The fascination never wears off

At least, not for me. My baby is 23 and I'm still astounded that such an incredible person emerged from my uterus.

All sappiness aside, I can still trick her with my superior adult deviousness. One day the tables will turn but so far, I can still outsmart her. :hi:

[handmade34]

21. Love to remind my kids

they came from my uterus and I suckled them for ages. :rofl: I think all my kids are way smarter than I am and way cooler looking

[handmade34]

20. My Solution

[Arctic Dave]

24. Barbecue.

Very tender.


http://art-bin.com/art/omodest.html

[MiddleFingerMom]

25. Funny... while I was waiting for your link to connect me...

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...I was thinking about connecting YOU to that very same thing.
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:rofl:
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[Withywindle]

26. I've never had one, but I'd guess maybe Goodwill or the local no-kill shelter.

I've never felt the fascination in the first place. I'm not into the squishy, bald, shit-and-talcum-powder-smelling stage at all.

Older kids who can talk in complete sentences about their own bizarrely detailed fantasy worlds are pretty cool, though.

(Am I the only woman on earth who cannot understand a single syllable of the prattle that toddlers with undeveloped mouths try to say? I try to interact with friends' kids, their moms look at me expectantly, and all I heard was "Gla ba womo da po gla! Squeak? Ta plo skee!" Apparently their parents understand this, and I'm expected to respond to it as though it was something with meaning! I've only ever had experiences like this in non-English-speaking countries and Glasgow.)

[Chan790]

29. There is a secret to understanding Glaswegians.

Start knocking back pints until you've caught up. The toddlers, you're on your own; a pint or six of bitter might help their diction as well though.

[jobycom]

27. I take mine to fancy restaurants and start pinching them

If you time it right, the manager will ask you to leave just as you finish eating, and you can refuse to pay. It's also cool to see the looks on the faces of the other diners. Priceless!

[denbot]

34. Two Words..

Baby Catapult!!!

[Arugula Latte]

36. In my experience, they get more and more interesting and more and more fun.

The other day I told my kids, "Well, I have to say you guys have provided us with years of entertainment."

:loveya:

[Courtesy Flush]

43. I'm amused how many people say their kids drive them crazy

The DSM IV seems to link an awful lot of personality disorders to poor parenting. Your kids drive you crazy for a few years. You drive them crazy for life.

[raccoon]

45. Take them back to the hospital they got them from. nt

[Flipper999]

48. I think one's fascination with kids can continue if you have the right personality

I (and my significant other) have no intention of having kids. We kind of see it the way you do MiddleFingerMom. A lot of the parents we meet do nothing but complain about how hard, tedious, and expensive it is to raise their kids. And then the kid grows into a surly teen. A teen who grows up to either leave and only visit occasionally, or become a basement dwelling failure-to-launch "adult".

There are exceptions; we meet very happy parents too. Their kids grow into decent adults, and everyone seems content. However, all too many parents have kids just because it's expected of them. Then they wonder later why they end up drinking so much, disappointed with life, and low on cash.

[HERVEPA]

51. Concerning your subject hading, you hit it exactly

And certainly, no one should have kids because it's expected. To each, her/his own.

[guitar man]

49. Put 'em to work

you'd be amazed at how much house work and yard work you can get out of them for a few shiny trinkets! :D

[jp11]

53. I'd think they play who's not helping me now with eachother as one

takes care of the child and the other tries to escape doing that yet put up an appearance of trying to help, while somehow failing or simply not being around for any number of reasons.

[suzbaby]

55. Where did you find that comic? (n/t)

[MiddleFingerMom]

56. Wish I could remember, but I surf so many places looking for stuff to use...

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If I remember or run across it again, I'll try to let you know.
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[suzbaby]

58. Thanks,

that comic made me laugh. I wanted to add it to my collection.

[struggle4progress]

57. That's why lots of people, when they get kids, also get grandparents for them

Not entirely sure how that works, cuz I don't have kids

I think it's kinda like buyin an extended warranty with a product at time of purchase

The grandparents naturally do cool stuff that keeps the kids happy, like buyin them bugles and drumsets -- or regalin them with stories about the time you got busted for smokin reefah on the roof of the police station

Anyway, it's a good deal and you oughta look into it

[SunnySong]

60. Babies.. they may droll and shit but they are still better than old people...

:hide: