I am very fortunate to be the youngest of seven children and there is a seven year gap between me and my next oldest sibling. I was given a very honest and realistic education on what having children would be like. So, I had seen enough to know not to say the word "never" or "not me" when it would come to raising kids. I knew that there would be times when I would be pulling my hair out, as well as the times when you beam with pride. I am fortunate to have had my brothers and sisters as examples because I learned so much by watching them. Although it's tough raising kids, nothing has been THAT much of a surprise to me.
What do you want the panelists to weigh in on? Email your ideas to editor Tamara O'Shaughnessy at tamara@chicagoparent.com.