Some people have children because they didn't plan to have children. I didn't plan either of my children. In fact, some might say my daughter came along at a very inconvenient time. I was 22, single, into a ton of drugs...but I sucked it up, cleaned up my act, and took responsibility for my actions. I definitely had friends and family encouraging me to take the *easy out*. I raised my daughter completely by myself until I met my husband when she was 3. I am probably one huge exception to the rules on unplanned-single parenting...but being a mommy has the biggest ROI, even if it is paid in sticky kisses, soggy hugs, and squealy giggles.CaptainP wrote:People want to have children, but they don't want to raise them. They think of them as a prize or a toy, one that they get bored with and selfishly turn their attention back to themselves. The kids become an inconvenience.
It is probably just as difficult for non-parents to understand this as it is for me to understand why anyone would not want to feel the joy I have as a mommy. I know that I am truly a better person because of my children.
I don't necessarily think most parents think of their kids as a prize or toy, some definitely do. I think it's mostly that parenting is really freakin' hard work and there are many opportunities to give in and take the easy road instead of setting the good example and knowing how to use the word "no".
