They told me that having children would be a major financial commitment. They told me that having children would drain my energy. (And they were absolutely right.)

But what they didn’t tell me was that children require a ridiculous amount of attention.

Multiply that by three, and you see my pain. I don’t know how you mothers of four or more kids do it!

Every child has to feel special. And the way you may show that attention varies drastically for each child.

Take my first son. He is Mr. Look at Me.

“Mommy, look!” “No, mommy. That wasn’t right. Look at this one.” “Mommy! Wanna play?” “Mommy, do you want me to play with my cars or blocks?”

He doesn’t know what it means to play by himself, he’s always bored, and your time is never enough. We could literally play from morning until evening, and then he’ll get sad that it ended.

He’s truly an energizer bunny. Unfortunately, I’m more like a solid generic brand that you can purchase in bulk at Fry’s. I get the job done, though! 

And then there’s my second child.

Sometimes, I think he actually prefers to stay by himself so that all his menacing can go unnoticed. He’s the one who will slip into the background while everyone is paying attention to the T.V. so he can jump off of a table.

He likes to play with others, but not forever. A little time will do. Then, it’s back to him hopping around and wondering what new risk he can take around the house.

The only time he may need a little attention is when he is sick or when his other brothers are receiving some extra love. Then, he’ll want to be in your lap, get picked up… whatever it takes to spread the love equally.

He doesn’t necessarily want all the love to himself, but you sure aren’t about to show another kid all the love either.

My third kid just takes the cake.

He just cries and cries if he’s not getting any attention. I’m talking real tears. I mean, you’d think a 4-month-old would be a little more mature and realize that he’s not the only one in the house.

Seriously, though, my last born is my appendage. I can’t go anywhere without him; and when he’s with me, we’re just chilling. He just wants to be held. Specifically, by me. I’ll take it for now because I hear that kids grow up so fast.

So with all these different needs of attention, I stay tiiiiied! (I’m too tired to pronounce the “r.”) Sometimes coming home is more draining than the full work day I just left. And then I start thinking to myself, “Did I require this much attention? I don’t recall calling my parents this much…ever.”

Oh well. I’ll just do the best I can because we all know that one teen or adult who could have benefited from a little more parental attention. It’s the least I can do for my kids.

I do have a question, though. What’s the difference between being needy and being self-centered? Because my oldest kid’s idea of a gift to me may be teetering on selfishness. All of my presents have basically been a form of “Your gift is more time with me!”

Can you believe that mess? HA! I’ll explain more in this week’s podcast. Stay tuned!