In the journey of parenting, the dynamics often differ with each child. The oldest child typically bears the brunt of their parents' inexperience. Parents strive to do their best, but their lack of knowledge about effective parenting can lead to mistakes. This is particularly true because they are more emotionally invested in the well-being of their firstborn, which can cloud their judgment and lead to errors in decision-making.

As parents navigate their roles, they tend to learn over time, gaining insights from their experiences with subsequent children. This evolution can result in better-informed approaches and possibly fewer mistakes with younger siblings. The statement highlights the irony of parenting: the desire to do right by a child can sometimes result in wrong choices, particularly when parents are untested and overly confident in their methods.