If you had a choice between the first nine years or second nine years ...?

I think everyone loves the first nine years of a kid but thse are the hardest years really. My mom LOVED the cutenesss and cuddling phases and hated when we outgrew them however, she LOVED it when we got older and started really showing our individuality and expressing ourselves. 10-18 can be alot more fun because the kids arent AS demanding, they have different things but you can TOTALLY reason with them and explain and really there is no wondering if they get it cause they will talk it out with you. Compromising and listening and reasoning is during this time verses the power struggle controling shaping them to be who YOU want them to be becaseu they aretoo young to know them selves who theey are. Older they are starting to figure themselves out and its pretty neat and fun to see. You just have to pick your battles more wisely at the older years and its ALOT easier and they are your kids lack of stress and love its a PERFECT combination.