I have 3 boys; or as I tell others 3 noise. Almost 5, 7 and 10.

For the nerdy metaphor…they are like like asteroids in space; when there is just two of them the orbits are stable and predictable. Add in a third, chaotic interactions are the norm, things can seem stable for periods but it is unpredictable when things will fly apart.

Being a parent is lots of fun, but often challenging. The different needs of the boys are stark, as are the differences in personality. One is extremely self driven and motivated; another is reserved, thoughtful and kind; the youngest is loud and trying to standout from the other two.

There are a million stories of cool stuff that happens and frustrations. Kids come up with cool new ideas; they are both reflections and extensions of you and what you teach them; both intentionally and unintentionally.

One story that is both horrifying and pride inducing:

My oldest had not been at school long; maybe a few months (so under 6); came home one day with a thoughtful look on his face. I said “whats up dude?”; he replies with “you only get in trouble for what you get caught for, right?”.
My dad brain; is going WTF have I created!!!; I didn’t really click to that till I was 9. I still wonder what he did to ask that question. When I asked “why?”; his response “oh no reason”.

If there is one bit of advice I would give to prospective parents:

Do not compare your kid to other kids, support their development at their pace. Just because their brother/sister/your friends kid, could do something at a specific age doesn’t say anything about your kid. Different skills develop at different rates in different people.