For those parenting more than one child, Bruce notes that it is important to be aware of and appreciate the differences between your children. “Dylan is the most sensitive of my boys, reacting more strongly than the others when he’s hurt,” says this experienced father thoughtfully. In contrast, his oldest son, Taylor, always seeks to act “cool. He comes home from the skate park with bruises, bumps, and abrasions all over him, and he seems impervious!”
Bruce also emphasizes that having more than one child can provide the opportunity to teach empathy. “Taylor is the most sympathetic of all my boys, responding almost in a fatherly way.” Recently, for example, Baylee was practicing baseball and Dylan walked behind him just as Baylee swung the bat backwards. “Dylan screamed with pain when the bat hit his cheek, and Taylor immediately consoled him, then ran for an ice bag. I think parents can use injuries as a way to help their children learn to show that they care about each other.”