Thoughts on Parenthood
I may have mentioned it before, or it might be obvious, but I don't really like children. I can tolerate them in public spaces for brief periods of time, and I've had to work with them for longer stretches in the past. But I honestly have no desire for children of my own, nor can I ever imagine myself suddenly developing that desire. And I don't think I'm alone.
Sure, there are good parents out there; people who love their children to death and push through all the hard times with a smile. But I see so many parents that just look like they're fed up. I can't tell you how many tired mothers and exasperated fathers I've seen leading a pack of squealing kids through the store. I wonder how many of them are thinking, "Yeah, I like my family and all, but if I had the chance to do it all over again... ehh, maybe I'd hold off."
Indeed, I wonder how many people would be happier living as bachelors or bachelorettes, but they feel pressured into a mundane 2-car, 2-kids, less-money, less-sleep lifestyle because that's what they're "supposed" to do. Why should the most meaningful accomplishment of one's existence be something that practically everyone does? Or maybe that's the thing: Everyone does it, and joining the ranks of parenthood is just reaffirming how normal you are. Blegh.
Sure, there are good parents out there; people who love their children to death and push through all the hard times with a smile. But I see so many parents that just look like they're fed up. I can't tell you how many tired mothers and exasperated fathers I've seen leading a pack of squealing kids through the store. I wonder how many of them are thinking, "Yeah, I like my family and all, but if I had the chance to do it all over again... ehh, maybe I'd hold off."
Indeed, I wonder how many people would be happier living as bachelors or bachelorettes, but they feel pressured into a mundane 2-car, 2-kids, less-money, less-sleep lifestyle because that's what they're "supposed" to do. Why should the most meaningful accomplishment of one's existence be something that practically everyone does? Or maybe that's the thing: Everyone does it, and joining the ranks of parenthood is just reaffirming how normal you are. Blegh.