A bit of survivorship bias going on with what Paul has written. He gives the example of having kids when I believe he was already financially secure and in a different place in his life than many people are when they have kids. That is not to say that the children are not wonderful (big YMMV there) but that he could (most likely) afford to sit back and 'smell the roses' with his kids. And enjoy the experience and be 'mr relaxed and happy parent' let's say.
Compare that to perhaps how it was for him (or for me) growing up. Parents under a great deal of financial pressure. (In my case immigrant parents one who came here with nothing one who grew up here with nothing). Work long hours (for both themselves and the kids) and when they get home from work not a bed of roses. Not having the luxury of having a Harvard degree either (as Paul has) (I have a good degree but the reason is my parents busted their asses so that I could get into a good school).
No such thing by the way as a blanket 'kids are a blessing' don't let anyone paint it that way. Sorry to rain on the parade. Plenty of people's lives don't revolve around the joy of children (whether they have children or not (I do)) and that's ok. I have kids but don't particularly enjoy doing any 'kids' things just not my thing. Nothing wrong with that. Once again it just seems like a box that some people want to put you in based on their own happiness and experience in life (or at least that is the way it seems).
You know you read it all the time. 'The best day of my life was when my child was born'. 'I want to spend more time with my family'. 'So you can spend more time with your family'. 'I love coaching my kids sports teams'. Picture of fun on Facebook. And so on.
Compare that to perhaps how it was for him (or for me) growing up. Parents under a great deal of financial pressure. (In my case immigrant parents one who came here with nothing one who grew up here with nothing). Work long hours (for both themselves and the kids) and when they get home from work not a bed of roses. Not having the luxury of having a Harvard degree either (as Paul has) (I have a good degree but the reason is my parents busted their asses so that I could get into a good school).
No such thing by the way as a blanket 'kids are a blessing' don't let anyone paint it that way. Sorry to rain on the parade. Plenty of people's lives don't revolve around the joy of children (whether they have children or not (I do)) and that's ok. I have kids but don't particularly enjoy doing any 'kids' things just not my thing. Nothing wrong with that. Once again it just seems like a box that some people want to put you in based on their own happiness and experience in life (or at least that is the way it seems).
You know you read it all the time. 'The best day of my life was when my child was born'. 'I want to spend more time with my family'. 'So you can spend more time with your family'. 'I love coaching my kids sports teams'. Picture of fun on Facebook. And so on.