I'm from an older generation, the Boomers. It was expected then that we would have children. Few even questioned the notion. So I had two. From what I've heard, we are all entitled to have one child to replace one adult, iow, you and your spouse get to have two kids. No one factored in divorce and second families. Also, little concern wa…
I'm from an older generation, the Boomers. It was expected then that we would have children. Few even questioned the notion. So I had two. From what I've heard, we are all entitled to have one child to replace one adult, iow, you and your spouse get to have two kids. No one factored in divorce and second families. Also, little concern was given to what those children would be like when they grew up. We tended to focus on the little ones. Aren't they cute? Don't they have an exquisite sense of wonder? Well, here's the bad news: Right around the teenage years, they start to change and rebel--just as we did. They're not so sweet and cute anymore. As they grow, they tend to blame us, their parents, for all their problems. We made mistakes because we're not perfect and don't have all the answers. Still, they turn on us. Maybe yours won't. My son and his family moved to another state. We hardly ever talk or see each other. My daughter and I are estranged, off and on. She blames me for I don't know what. If I had it to do again, I'm not sure I'd choose parenthood. If you feel the urge, Wayne, and you've examined your motives and you have factored in all the changes that child will bring to your life, go ahead and do it. Just realize that your activism will be impacted as a result of raising that kid. It's a choice, and only you can make the best one.
I'm from an older generation, the Boomers. It was expected then that we would have children. Few even questioned the notion. So I had two. From what I've heard, we are all entitled to have one child to replace one adult, iow, you and your spouse get to have two kids. No one factored in divorce and second families. Also, little concern was given to what those children would be like when they grew up. We tended to focus on the little ones. Aren't they cute? Don't they have an exquisite sense of wonder? Well, here's the bad news: Right around the teenage years, they start to change and rebel--just as we did. They're not so sweet and cute anymore. As they grow, they tend to blame us, their parents, for all their problems. We made mistakes because we're not perfect and don't have all the answers. Still, they turn on us. Maybe yours won't. My son and his family moved to another state. We hardly ever talk or see each other. My daughter and I are estranged, off and on. She blames me for I don't know what. If I had it to do again, I'm not sure I'd choose parenthood. If you feel the urge, Wayne, and you've examined your motives and you have factored in all the changes that child will bring to your life, go ahead and do it. Just realize that your activism will be impacted as a result of raising that kid. It's a choice, and only you can make the best one.
Thanks for this Marilyn. I'm sorry you and your kids are estranged.