General Chat

Know now that you didn't know at say, 20. If you knew that information what things would you have done diffrent?

Oh Daniel, I could write a book on this subject. I can't narrow it down, but trust me - lots of things would be done differently, although many of my choices that I'd wish to make differently, would be from before the age of 20. Paul

in my case, who can say. Pat x

Daniel Nothing. When I was 20 I behaved like a 20-year-old. If I'd had a 48-year-old mind I would never have got away with it! This is a hypothetical exercise. I guess what I most regretted (apart from deeply personal matters for which this board is not the place) is not thrusting a tape recorder under my father's mouth at every opportunity, ditto grandmother. What I most regret in the less distant past is not having an epidural when I was having my first baby. Ah well... Still, there's no knowing how things would have turned out if... As a parent I find it quite interesting that my sons are totally bored by my research (apart from gory details of a murder committed by a distant relative). I know that when they are older and have children, maybe their wives or children will want to know about family history. With luck they will have copies of my work. When they are asked questions about it, they will probably say "If only I'd paid more attention when Mum was telling us about that". That's life. Just when you have the experience, everything has moved on! nell

Daniel, the only thing I wish I'd done differently is to have been financially aware! We made mistakes through naivety, but never mind, far worse things happen!

If I 'd had known how having a child would be so totally time consuming, I would have made more of the time before I had her. I can't honestly say what I did with my time before I had a 24/7 job as a mummy. I think I would have made sure I got 4 holidays a year, and made the most of lonf lie-ins. I would also have done all those outstanding DIY jobs around the house, as it is impossible to get power tools out with a little one- let alone the noise and mess even a simple repair makes. But most of all ,I think I would have had children earlier- I waited until I was nearly 34, I feel now that time is running out if I want any more. Still, I don't regret parenthood- just wish I had been more prepared for the complete changes it brings!!!

Nothing..... I am today what the good, bad or indifferent events of my past has made me.... so even though I know better now, I may not have done if I hadn't done the things I did!! And trust me when I am old and grey my memories will make me smile LOTS!! ;o)

THAT IF YOU WERE WITH SOMEONE AND IT ENDED IT WOULDN'T BE THE END OF THE WORLD.LIFE GOES ON PLENTY OF FISH IN THE SEAXXXX(:

i agree with paul, but one thing has just cropped into my head i would have refused to move into the house i did 10 year ago it was no13 and the date move was planned was 13th yes a friday, and time we had to arrive was 13.30hours, bad move, lovely house but we lived there a year as hubby was leaving army after that. id change lots but that the advantage of hindsight. besides i dont want to get glum

Ann I was 35 when I had my first child and nearly 38 when I had my second. You say you don't know what you did with your time before you had your child. Let me tell you that when I had my second child I didn't understand how looking after one child could have taken all day! I think the moral must be that whatever needs to get done will get done! nell