Parenting Shouldn't Feel Like an 18-Year Prison Sentence – And That's Why Birth Rates Are Dropping

Mar 23, 2026 8:30 PM
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Parenting Shouldn't Feel Like an 18-Year Prison Sentence – And That's Why Birth Rates Are Dropping
AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell
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I'm glad I reared my children before parenting forums on the internet were a thing. Maybe they were a bit of a thing with my youngest, but I just didn't care enough about the thoughts of others to pay attention. I knew I was doing a good job keeping my children alive, well educated, occasionally entertained and throwing in a few family vacations for good measure. Now, young mothers have criticism coming from all sides. It has to be exhausting. 

To be sure, once you become a parent, their needs have to come first. There are many things you have to give up and pleasures you have to forego to benefit your child. It's fine to go to the gym though. Your child will survive (as long as you leave them in capable hands).

Total props to Laura for her very detailed schedule but getting up at 5 am would have made me a horrible Mom. They would prefer a fat Mom, honestly. I'm no good without sleep. 

This, however, is a great take. Raising children can be lots of fun. It was the joy of my life. One can even exercise with your kids by running around at the park or plopping them in a stroller and pushing them around. They'll pitch a fit to get out of the stroller about halfway through, but then you can fight a tantrum for miles and that burns a lot of calories, too.

Everything in moderation. It's great to be a person and have be a caring parent, actually. 

Absolutely, a marriage has to be the priority. That is the best thing any parent can do for their children. Kids need to see parents love each other the most.

There's a balance. If you are a person who cares about the balance, you're probably doing a good job.

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