So children are a pretty contentious issue these days for a lot of folks.
Some parents I know think that kids are a hassle, but they’re worth it in the end, like there’s some payoff. Like when the kids are all grown and successful and —-… Then one fine day…
If I ask my friends (childless people) about kids, there’s a range of responses. A lot of them don’t want it, like it’s not worth the commitment. I can understand that sentiment myself pretty well. Often times it’s hard to really quantify a value judgement like that, especially when you don’t know what you’re really getting out of the deal.
So what is it? When someone raises a child, what benefit really occurs? Is it selfish to raise a child? Selfless? Is it a service to society or the future? There has to be a real answer here, right?
I think kids really can only be seen as wonderful. Some new perspective! Someone to share some joy with, or sorrow. Someone to show you some new things about the world.
If you want anything else out of it, you’ll miss that wonder! If you hope your kid fulfills some prophecy you lay out for them, it’s like you’ve already discarded their input. Their fresh perspective, killed before it even had a chance!
And even if you get what you wanted from that child who did as you bid them do, it will be a tragedy that you never got to meet the person they might have been.