Why are People Having Fewer Kids? Perhaps it's because they don't like them very much

Reason ^ | February 26, 2008 | Ronald Bailey

[martin_fierro]

[Marie2]

I dare say those who complain about kids who behave badly in public probably behaved badly in public themselves a time or two.

[xsmommy]

The freeriders aren’t subsidizing my kids either, as they have always gone to private schools.

[xsmommy]

you still have that dang cat catting around your house?

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

"I think the difference with the clown car is that it’s a teasing jab whereas the attacks on the childless are very pointed, mean and insulting. just in this thread they are called selfish, deformed and horrible people. Regardless of the jokes thrown at those with too many children, I’ve never seen anyone call them deranged or accuse them of being the downfall of society. Frankly, many of those I know who choose to remain childless do so for very unselfish reasons. And many of those I know who have chosen to have children have done so for very selfish reasons. To try to lump all into one category or another is rather shallow."

"FReepers are a very judgemental lot, that’s for sure."

If I told you some of the things that were said to me, you would be shocked.

[martin_fierro]

Nah, she went back home last Monday morning.

But the house feels empty now.

So I'm thinking about maybe getting an Abyssinian-breed cat, or some other cat (NOT hairless!) to which Mrs F. isn't allergic.

Suggestions are welcome.

[Malacoda]

Whoah. Do the kids know that’s how you feel?

[steve-b]

Because it costs a lot of money to have kids.

It costs a lot of money to buy a yacht. Maybe there should be a $12,000 tax exemption for that, too.

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

> Subject: Dog/Cat Diaries
>
>
> DOG DIARY
>
> 8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
>
> 9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
>
> 9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
>
> 10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
>
> 12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
>
> 1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
>
> 3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
>
> 5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
>
> 7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
>
> 8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with my people! My favorite thing!
>
> 11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
>
> ————————————————————————————————————
> ——
> ——————————————
>
> CAT DIARY
>
> Day 983 of my captivity.
>
> My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
>
> They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed
> hash
> or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations
> perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in
> order to keep up my strength.
>
> The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.
>
> In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
>
> Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet.
> I
> had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly
> demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made
> condescending comments about what a “good little hunter” I am.
>
> Bas tards!
>
> There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was
> placed
> in solitary confinement for the duration of the event.
>
> However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my
> confinement was due to the power of “allergies.” I must learn what
> this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
>
> Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my
> tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this
> again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs.
>
> I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.
>
> The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and
> seems to
> be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
>
> The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the
> guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors
> have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell,
> so he is safe...
>
> For now...

[wardaddy]

My wife and I have voluntarily limited ourselves to only 5 children....she won that one.

I like making them and having them around.

My home is 97% funtime and very very rewarding.

I was an only child for 12 years and I was envious so I guess I’m making up for it.

But if there is a heap of passion tween wife and husband and all other things being equal and the vision of family first is shared by both then believe me, babies are an obvious result of that.

It’s in our nature usually.

*now irresponsible fatherless child bearing is another matter

[Aloysius88]

I Know what you mean. Kids bring their own stuff to the table. That doesn’t mean that a lot of people don’t have some serious cultural handicaps when it comes to dealing with kids.

I am the oldest of 6 children, father of 4, youth soccer coach for 25 years and am currently a children’s pastor seeing 100 kids every weekend. I don’t know what to say. If I am alone responsible for my happiness and I am responsible for my happiness alone and there are no other moral imperatives than “If it feels good do it” and “If it hurts when you do that, don’t do that”, then radical personal autonomy is the only game in town.

If, however, there is something more...

[Scotswife]

will the yacht become a member of the workforce someday and pay for the care of the majority of the population as they live out their last days? (all the while not being able to contribute to their own golden years)

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

When I refer to kids behaving badly in public I'm talking about something that is the fault of the parent. If it is naptime, your child is going to be cranky. We all know this, we should take them home for a nap.

If I allow my child to whine and beg for a toy/candy and repeated say no or ignore the request, then give in, I've just trained my child to beg/whine.

We all have had times our kids just threw a fit somewhere and mortified us. I've left grocery stores before with a screaming child. But the normal, daily antics of a child can be controlled or anticipated with good parenting, as I'm sure you know.

[djf]

Funny... on this thread, the word “selfish” is getting tossed around like the hottest potato in town.

“Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, selfishness is wanting others to live as one wishes to live”
Oscar Wilde

[wardaddy]

I think a lot of the under 35 educated classes have been sorta indoctrinated with earnest self absorption too.

(course one could say that about boomers too...sans the earnestness)

I have observed that many couples who don’t want kids tend to be sorta obsessed with doing their own thing first......travel is usually big with them.

I have also noticed they are more immature in their relationship with each other and squabble over the insignificant more......and ....this will sure help me here lol.....usually one party is very very needy......and surprise, it’s the man more often than the woman.

Women of course who are validation oriented tend to be often childless and probably a good thing.

None of this applies to folks who want to have kids and can’t. I feel for them.

[Aloysius88]

Here is one thing that bugged me. A childless fellow (I don’t know the reason) was spouting off about tax deductions for children and I told him I would give up my deductions if he would give up his social security.

We are not built for our own pleasure. We are built to live together with others. This unnatural experiment that the liberals and libertarians find rational will in the end fail. I don’t suppose any of those who have no stake in the future will mind.

[Night Hides Not]

Great post! Thanks!

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Isn’t that hilarious? I had to share it.

[cherry]

children are difficult to raise....worse as they get older.....but I wouldn't have it any other way....

the ONLY reason for life is children...without children, how can you look at the world?....work and education and civility don't mean a thing, since you have no worry about the future because you will have no future...

but have kids, and then look at the world....you want it to be better...you work harder....educate yourself...save money for them...join civil groups to help the community...vote for good people who will ensure there is a future for you....

the trouble with our world is that there are too many people that don't care about the future....when you have children, believe me, you care about taxes, crime, eductation, the enviroment, arts, parks, zoos, etc....you care.....