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.

📉 Falling 0.3x Politics & Society
4,648
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20
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5
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#3646
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Keywords

FIRE IMHO HN ER OTOH kids children having kids child parent parents having children life parenting baby

Sample Comments

lintiness Jan 6, 2016 View on HN

i've lived extensively with and without, and having kids easily trumps. life's amplitudes are greatly magnified by little ones.

bollockitis Jan 9, 2017 View on HN

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

Pigo Oct 18, 2017 View on HN

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

mac_was Nov 21, 2020 View on HN

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 :)

mensetmanusman May 26, 2025 View on HN

Turns out not having kids has consequences.

prawn Oct 12, 2021 View on HN

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

travisporter Dec 19, 2021 View on HN

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.

matt_the_bass Dec 21, 2017 View on HN

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).

jeffyang Nov 14, 2016 View on HN

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

PragmaticPulp Oct 19, 2022 View on HN

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