[e1g]

We have two kids under 4, and among our friends, what amazes me is how different children are - and, therefore, the parenthood experience can be.

One of my girls is the sweetest, calmest, most peaceful bundle of hugs. The other is a low-sleep, hyper-energetic, demanding chatterbox. She is unyielding and relentless from 5am, every day, and raising her is draining.

I don’t mean “resentful” - we chose this experience and chose not to outsource them to childcare. But some kids are absolutely more work: if your every day is packed 5am-7pm with sales, negotiating, customer service, and all-team workshops, if you get little sleep and no weekends or half-days, year after year, you will be tired. I bootstrapped a software business to 7 figures ARR solo, and raising her is more draining. And more rewarding.

[civilized]

I never cease to be amazed at how many people aren't aware that there are difficult children to raise. They seem to think that how you feel about life is determined entirely by how well you Jedi mind trick your attitude into always being positive.

Life is hard for some people! Sorry you have to hear about it in public, but if it's that annoying for you to just hear it, imagine living it!

[reitanqild]

I know I was like that second child you mention.

Whenever I feel sorry for myself it helps to think about my dad who had to live with me as his first child (and I have more siblings that children : )

[subpixel]

> some kids are absolutely more work

no argument on that point!