Kid Crazy: Why We Exaggerate the Joys of Parenthood (sick article)

Time ^ | March 4, 2011 | John Cloud

[dawn53]

All parents know that having kids is a blessing — except when it's a nightmare of screaming fits, diapers, runny noses, wars over bedtimes and homework and clothes. To say nothing of bills too numerous to list. Some economists have argued that having kids is an economically silly investment; after all, it's cheaper to hire end-of-life care than to raise a child. Now comes new research showing that having kids is not only financially foolish but that kids literally make parents delusional.

Researchers have known for some time that parents with minors who live at home report feeling calm significantly less often than than people who don't live with young children. Parents are also angrier and more depressed than nonparents — and each additional child makes them even angrier. Couples who choose not to have kids also have better, more satisfying marriages than couples who have kids. (More on Time.com: 5 Pregnancy Taboos Explained (or Debunked))

To be sure, all such evidence will never outweigh the desire to procreate, which is one of the most powerfully encoded urges built into our DNA. But a new paper shows that parents fool themselves into believing that having kids is more rewarding than it actually is. It turns out parents are in the grip of a giant illusion.

[Tammy8]

I loved raising my children, and if I had it to do over I would in a heart beat!! I am now completely enjoying my grandchildren. If that makes me delusional, then I am proud to be!! Every child is a precious gift from God...maybe the issue is when people don’t understand or believe that.

[Tammy8]

I do agree that many people seem to have children without understanding the responsibilities. I did understand the responsibility and my only concern was that maybe I was too young...I was 24 when my oldest was born.

[MrEdd]

Generally speaking, that not libertarian; it's libertine.

Ayn Rand, by the life she led, the positions she espoused, and the influence she exerted over the libertarian party made the two interchangeable.

[chris_bdba]

I didn’t “choose” it was chosen for me but thanks for slapping me again!

[chris_bdba]

You are right.The current stats say that 56% of women between the ages of 16 and 49 do not have children and IIRC the stats on the number of household with someone under the age of 18 is around 38% in the USA.

[chris_bdba]

Since I’ve worked in nursing homes in the past I’d have to tell you that your assement would be wrong. There are many mnay people who have 5 or more kids who see no one weeks on end.From what I could see the ones who had no one and knew no one was comng were much happeir than the ones who knew someone had forgot them.