Anon84

Having Kids (2019)

https://paulgraham.com/kids.html

Having Kids

Mar 20 at 2:56pmWeb
Show threadyanis_tMar 20
Having kids is a gift. But this is one of these kinds of knowledge that once you know you immediately can't explain to others who don't.
Show threadozarkerDMar 20
Great way of putting it. It's the sort of thing you just have to trust others and jump into. If you think about it too much it just doesn't make sense.
Show threadmeithamMar 20
As a father of 3, nothing is more satisfying than raising kids.
Show threadmring33621Mar 20
Having kids may not be for everyone, but it is the best thing that I have ever done in my life.
Show threadvardumpMar 20

While there are always those lows, when the kids are sick, scream, have tantrums, do something stupid, I would not trade a second of that away. A lot of happiness and laughs as well, along the way.

They grow and you're privileged to live with them for a while. Also you'll grow with them.

Having kids was my best decision ever. Thrice.

Show threadDaneel_Mar 20
I also had kids, and while I love my kids I haven’t loved spending time with my kids. This will hopefully change as they age, but the first six years have so far been very much a drag on my life and productivity, and not much else. They haven’t provided fulfilment, and they haven’t provided satisfaction. Some joy is there from time to time, definitely, but nothing in the way the author describes. Happiness for me typically starts after my kids are in bed or when I can escape them during work hours. My wife finds great happiness in our children, and I find happiness in that, but I’m desperately waiting for my kids to be old enough that I only need to spend time with them instead of constantly caring for them. Sorry if this is a bit of a dark comment, but I just wanted to say it’s not always the experience this author had, even if it seems common.