Having Kids (2019)

3 hours ago

The author initially feared having kids, associating parenthood with dullness and responsibility.
After having children, the author experienced a profound change in perspective, finding unexpected joy and fulfillment in parenthood.
Chemical changes post-childbirth led to an immediate protective instinct not just towards their own child but all children.
The author acknowledges a selection bias in their pre-parenthood observations, realizing they only noticed negative parenting moments in public spaces like airplanes.
Parenthood brings many quiet, peaceful moments of deep connection and happiness that are hard to articulate but deeply valued.
The author's childhood memories misled them into viewing parenthood as constant law enforcement, overlooking the positive aspects.
Children become not just loved ones but also friends, offering interesting interactions and genuine fun despite some repetitive behaviors.
Parenthood reduces productivity and forces a more structured schedule, but the author adapted, finding ways to remain productive within new constraints.
Having kids may decrease personal ambition as attention shifts more towards children than personal projects, though the author employs strategies to balance both.
Despite missing some freedoms, the author concludes that the actual happy moments in life increased after having children, outweighing the losses.

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