Hello, we are Heart & Solo! Why are we here?

Why did I start this blog? Well, I suppose it’s the direct result of me having only one child. But I didn’t start it because I am an expert at raising an only child or because I want to tout all the benefits of having an only child … or even because I have some awesome tips to share with you when it comes to parenting an only child (I really don’t). I started it simply because my 8-year-old daughter asked me to and, within reason, I try to comply with her requests.

When deciding on our family’s size, my husband and I settled on the idea of having only one child with the caveat that we would do everything we could to ensure she had an enjoyable, well-rounded existence and never felt lonely. Now, I know every parent does their best to ensure their kids have an enjoyable existence – I’m not insinuating I’m the only mom who does that. But when it comes to parenting an only, I think we have to be willing to do a little more to make sure our kiddos are happy and mentally stimulated by the right kinds of activities.

For example, when my daughter, Reese, is bored and complains that she has nothing to do or wishes someone would play with her, I don’t have the option of telling her to go strike up a game with her sibling(s). There’s no sister with whom to dress up as princesses. There’s no brother with whom to race around the backyard or ride bikes. When this happens, I remind myself that we chose not to give Reese a playmate so now I’m obligated to take on that role. Some parents of only children may not agree with me on this, but this happens to be how my husband and I see it.

So, we try to go out of our way to play with Reese when she asks. We’re Play-Doh shaping experts, masters at make-believe, coloring connoisseurs, skilled Barbie stylists, arts and crafts champs, and Lego-stacking superstars. My husband and I are Reese’s rough-and-tumble playground pals. We ride our own bikes right alongside her on Saturday mornings around our neighborhood. We run through sprinklers and careen down slip-and-slides. I’ve even been known to join in the fun when she’s making up choreographed dances to 90s pop songs, which -- I swear -- is always Reese’s idea. 😉 In short, we play with our daughter, sometimes seemingly nonstop. Now, that’s not to say I never hand her a tablet or my iPhone when I need some time to get things done. Been there, done that. Will do it again!

The same mentality applies when Reese wants to try a new activity. Part of the reason we chose to have only one child is so we’d be able to afford plenty of extracurricular activities, exciting vacations, and nice things (clothes, toys, restaurant meals and other fun outings). I know my mom did the absolute best she could for my sister and me, but the fact was, she was a struggling single mom. We were never hungry and we had everything we needed. But there wasn’t much leftover for extras. Things like dance lessons, PowerWheels Jeeps, Disney trips and American Girl Dolls just weren’t in the cards. And I emphasize that was FINE. I love my parents and am so grateful for everything they did give me, including infinite amounts of love and support.

But, for lucky Reese, those extras are in the cards. It’s all part of our plan. We want her to enjoy life, try the things she wants to try, and have the things we never had but longed for. My husband and I do not want to spoil her and we do regularly say no. What do I say no to? Well, for starters, competitive cheerleading, a cell phone, a trip to Hollywood, CA, a motorized scooter, an elaborate swing set/tree house combo, professionally manicured acrylic nails, and a pet bunny. All things she’s begged for, but they’re not happening.

But when Reese makes reasonable requests that I can grant (i.e. they don’t cost a lot of money or time), I try to say yes. She asked to start a blog that includes photos of her and videos she plans to make in an effort to emulate her favorite YouTubers. So, I agreed. And here we are. I hope you enjoy it!