Publisher: New Harvest
Publication Date: September 2012
Categories: Sociology, Parenting
Source: Library
Description:
If parenting is making Americans unhappy, if it’s impossible to “have it all,” if people don’t have the economic, social, or political structures needed to support parenting, then why do it?
In Why Have Kids? Jessica Valenti asks this the controversial–but necessary–question. Through on-the-ground reporting, new scientific studies, and her own burgeoning motherhood, Valenti offers an in-depth expose into the world of having (and not having) children. She cites shocking statistics about parental happiness and child care, new science that’s shaking up the parent-advice industry, and stories from a generation of parents who are finding out that having kids isn’t all they thought it would be.
Why Have Kids? presents startling, new material that will change the way you think about the age-old questions of children, parenting, and happiness.
My Thoughts:
If there’s one thing I love it’s a book that makes me think. This one certainly did that. I didn’t have to think about if I wanted kids…as my librarian pointed out when I checked this book out, “Isn’t it a little late for you Jen?” (I already have 3 children.)
This book did make me wonder about the reasons why I had kids. It made me think about the expectations women face, about our seemingly limited options.
I’m especially fascinated by woman who decide not have children. Here is where I’m supposed to say that I’d do it all over again, I’d have my 3 kids and live my life exactly the way I have. But who knows? If I knew then what I know now? Who knows.
“Given the reality of unintended parenthood and parental unhappiness, one would think that women and men who make the decision not to have children – who are deliberate and thoughtful about the choice to bring another person into the world – would be seen as less selfish than those who unthinkingly have children. Yet the stigma remains.”
In Why Have Kids? Jessica Valenti talks about the reality of motherhood. Is it really the hardest job in the world? Is it really the most rewarding and joyful thing that a person can do? These questions may shake up your view of parenthood…and that’s a good thing.
Why Have Kids? is one of the most thought provoking books I’ve read.
What Other Bloggers Thought:
The Relentless Reader 