What if they are daughters? - Edit 1
Before modification by Aeryn at 12/01/2011 04:46:44 PM
Disclaimer: I'm not disparaging your choices in any way. I know this is a volatile topic, and I am voicing my long-standing opinions - that have nothing to do with you.
This is what bothers me about your scenario. What if you only have daughters, and they also adopt your values and follow your example of dedicating their lives to their children, who'll do the same in turn... You've just taken yourself out of the big picture. The world suffers a loss because YOU aren't out there, contributing your talents & energy. You are also the next generation. You are the culminations of efforts by many generations.
That's exactly the attitude I get.
And my children won't be snotty nosed or bratty.
I think that raising children is the most important thing I can contribute to the world. I don't think there's anything more important than the next generation. They're the ones who will be the doctors, the nurses, the lawyers, the policemen, the soldiers, the politicians, the philosophers when I am past my prime. I want to ensure that my children are happy, stable, well-developed children who can contribute to the best of their ability and desire, and I think the best way to achieve that is to give them my knowledge and love and care. As that IS my dream, I'm not going to get the resentment that some women have.
I don't expect every mother to feel this way, and I never look down on those who don't. This is MY priority.
Sure. And if I hadn't already thought about that then I would.
This is what bothers me about your scenario. What if you only have daughters, and they also adopt your values and follow your example of dedicating their lives to their children, who'll do the same in turn... You've just taken yourself out of the big picture. The world suffers a loss because YOU aren't out there, contributing your talents & energy. You are also the next generation. You are the culminations of efforts by many generations.
It just bums me out. You guys are so... smart and vibrant, both of you. You shouldn't waste that on little snotty nosed brats. 
That's exactly the attitude I get.
And my children won't be snotty nosed or bratty.
Seriously though, I think you guys have more important things to contribute to the world than children. But then, many people consider children to be the greatest thing they contribute. It's just my opinion. That's not to say I won't have kids- it's just that there are things that are a higher priority. I think people should work towards being happy, like I said. But I also know a lot of smart women who have resented their children- even though they love them a ton- because they never got to follow other dreams.
I think that raising children is the most important thing I can contribute to the world. I don't think there's anything more important than the next generation. They're the ones who will be the doctors, the nurses, the lawyers, the policemen, the soldiers, the politicians, the philosophers when I am past my prime. I want to ensure that my children are happy, stable, well-developed children who can contribute to the best of their ability and desire, and I think the best way to achieve that is to give them my knowledge and love and care. As that IS my dream, I'm not going to get the resentment that some women have.
I don't expect every mother to feel this way, and I never look down on those who don't. This is MY priority.
I guess my point is, I can always adopt after I have the career I want. A lot of mothers don't get the chance to change their minds like I might. Just something to think about.
Sure. And if I hadn't already thought about that then I would.