Re: Having children 'is bad for your mental health'

[Julia Thompson]

William T Goodall wrote:

On 16 Jan 2006, at 6:54 pm, Matt Grimaldi wrote:

 William  wrote:

The study's findings will make happy reading for couples who have
decided to enjoy the freedom and lack of responsibility  associated  
with
not having children."



 Doug wrote:

Hmmm, having children can be extremely stressfull, but I can hardly
express the pride and satisfaction I feel having become a  
grandfather last
year.  I don't think I'd trade it for anything.


 Somewhere I've heard that the biological drive to procreate can only
 be completely satisfied by grandchildren. :-)  I have quite a few  years
 to wait before first-hand experience.

 As for those researchers, the fact that they seem to overlook
 is that having children significantly changes most of your  priorities.


What if one doesn't want to have one's priorities changed?

Then one should probably take active steps to prevent it.  Surgical 
sterilization is one option.  Abstinence is another.  Relying on having 
been told "you can never have children" is NOT wise -- I know a few 
mothers who were very surprised to find out they were with child.

And having the sense to actively decide not to procreate when one does 
not want to be a parent is laudable, IMO.

        Julia
_______________________________________________
http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l