Parenting Experiences
The cluster focuses on personal stories and debates about the joys, challenges, and life changes brought by having and raising children, often contrasting perspectives of parents and non-parents.
Activity Over Time
Top Contributors
Keywords
Sample Comments
i've lived extensively with and without, and having kids easily trumps. life's amplitudes are greatly magnified by little ones.
Very well said. As the father of two young children, I can confidently say that becoming a parent has brought me some of the worst pains of my life, yet also some the highest, most incomparable joys. Until you have children, this contradiction is difficult, maybe impossible, to understand. My kids have taught me more about being human than I could have ever imagined, but raising them has been difficult, fraught with pain and anxiety every step of the way (though I want to point out that my exper
I would never try to tell someone they should have kids, or make someone feel like there is anything wrong with not having them. But going on vacations or having luxury items seems so trivial compared to what I've experienced since my son was born.I don't think I'm capable of putting into words what it feels like when the doctor hands you that baby. But I can say that I don't care as much what kind of vehicle I drive, or what clothes I'm wearing, and it seems silly ho
As someone without children you don't understand that parents need to rest after couple years of constant taking care of children :) I was the smartest about raising kids when I didn't have them yet :)
Turns out not having kids has consequences.
Prior to having children, I never thought ahead about being a parent. Didn't consider myself "good with kids", wasn't drawn to the idea. My wife was keen and I was keen (then and now) on her. It's never felt like a selfish act and always the absolute opposite. You make lifestyle sacrifices, and you become selfless - you will do anything for them. It's hard work, but it's exceptionally rewarding and gives me purpose. Telling your wide-eyed children about their w
I wish I could hug you. This is exactly how I feel but didn’t have the words to express it.Kids take up so much time that I often wonder why -> how did I spend time before kids -> why am I not that much less productive now -> awww -> everything’s gonna be all right.But that being said it’s absolutely okay to not want kids and be extremely happy with your life. If only there was a shareware parenthood.
Before I had kids, I would have said lots of “wild crazy" things. Since having kids, I would do the same as you.It's amazing how that changes your perspective. And those without kids will never understand this feeling. (I'm not saying it's a better feeling just totally different).
It sounds bad, and it can be bad, but it's often not. It's all about perspective. Everything above is true. But more often than not it's worth it.Why? I didn't know until I started responding. But I believe it's worth it. Let me throw some words out there. They may or may not resonate with you.- Maybe it's because they are full and complete human beings, eventually capable of everything you are capable of and possibly much more.- You will know everything ab
One of the things I have a hard time conveying to non-parents is that the most time-intensive parts of parenting don't last forever.I've talked to a lot of young people who say they don't want kids because they think their personal lives will permanently halt the moment they have kids. I spend a lot of time trying to explain that:1) I still spend a lot of time with friends and can do most of my personal hobbies/activities on weekends. My wife and I are good at sharing t