Parenting is daunting, and not everyone is up to the task.
The stress associated with raising a child is monumental. A recent study by an economist at the University of Texas at Austin translated “stress into dollar figures and finds it ‘so huge as to be almost unbelievable.’”
The researchers developed the metric of time stress.
Time stress is the overwhelming feeling of exhaustion parents feel in the first several years of parenting. This weariness is especially felt by women, as caretaking responsibilities are
primarily placed on the mother. Furthermore, even if the father aids in taking care of the children, the mother’s time stress does not decrease, even once the children start attending school.
And both parents feel the pinch in pocket.
The United States Department of Agriculture notes “the cost of raising a kid in terms of housing, food and education: $304,480 for a child born in 2013.” This is an insane amount of money.
Selfishness and callousness are usually the words people use to describe those who say they do not want children. More accurate terms are financially astute, risk averse and realistic.
When one spends money, unless it’s for altruistic reasons, one expects a return on investment. The return is usually in the form of money or a feeling of satisfaction.
Some have children because they want to play an integral role in the formation of the psyche of a human life, and the chance to do this correctly is its own reward. For these people, having a child is worth it — no matter the financial commitment.
Others understand their own personalities and know they would most likely not be good stewards of children. Raising a child requires a responsible adult at all times, and while parents can let their hair down every once in a while, pure freedom evaporates when a child enters the picture.
An additional $300,000 dollars to pay down debts, enhance one’s lifestyle and attempt to enjoy the finer things life may be something they do not want to give up.
Consumer products and having the newest technology is not the most important thing in this world, and happiness should not only be found in the things one owns.
Having satisfaction in your profession can elicit great joy. After putting in hard work to get a bachelor’s degree, ferocity and tenacity at the workplace to establish a good reputation should be paramount. Running out of the office to sign permission slips does not look like a dedicated employee.
Dedicated employees also do not use excuses about having to run to daycare as the reason for why responsibilities at work have fallen to the wayside. A good work/life balance is a great thing to strive for, but those who put their all into their vocation will see better outcomes. Respect and honor is shown to those who put aside personal issues, drive forward and make progress in various spheres of influence.
Committing to raising children may be the best option for some, but those realistic about what they want and expect from life should not be shamed for deciding their personal happiness outweighs all other concerns.
Disclaimer: I reserve the right to eat my own shoe. If in 10 years I’m a stay-at-home dad driving a minivan and managing Instagram accounts for all my children, don’t crucify me.
Garrett Hines is a 21-year-old political science senior from Monroe, Louisiana. You can reach him on Twitter @garrettH_TDR.