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Why Have Kids?

A New Mom Explores the Truth About Parenting and Happiness

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Why Have Kids?

By: Jessica Valenti
Narrated by: Emily Beresford
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About this listen

In Why Have Kids?, Valenti explores these controversial questions through on-the-ground reporting, startling new research, and her own unique experiences as a mom. She moves beyond the black and white “mommy wars” over natural parenting, discipline, and work-life balance to explore a more nuanced reality: one filled with ambivalence, joy, guilt, and exhaustion.

Would-be parents must navigate the decision to have children amidst a daunting combination of cultural expectations and hard facts. And new parents find themselves struggling to reconcile their elation with the often exhausting, confusing, and expensive business of child care. When researchers for a 2010 Pew study asked parents why they decided to have their first child, nearly 90 percent answered, for “the joy of having children”. Yet nearly every study in the last 10 years shows a marked decline in the life satisfaction of those with kids. Valenti explores this disconnect between parents’ hopes and the day-to-day reality of raising children - revealing all the ways mothers and fathers are quietly struggling. A must-listen for parents as well as those considering starting a family, Why Have Kids? is an explosive addition to the conversation about modern parenthood.

©2012 Jessica Valenti (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc. Parenting & Families Relationships Sociology
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I'll start with saying that although the book is very informative, it is not about what you think. The book could also be called: "What it is like raising kids in the USA in the 21th century". it covers pressures from preconceived ideas, the laws, law cases, media influences, working moms and dads vs. stay at home moms and dads.... It does not directly answer the question but paints an overall very negative and depressing picture about having kids. This is how I felt most of the book. It is only towards the end that you realise that, now you have all this info, you can make your decision.
Again, worth reading to get information but dont expect an answer. This really is about painting a picture of the harsh reality. This is not about raising kids but about looking after your own sanity first!
This book will definitely help you be aware of who you really want to be and have as a parent.

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