Mini-me’s

Sometimes I wonder why people want to have children. I was watching the news last week and there was a special clip about a couple who after failed attempts to have children, tried artificial insemination, surrogacy, and adoption; all with no success. They ultimately ended up volunteering at a children’s hospital as clowns. (Yeah, I know… eeks, clowns)

But that got me thinking, what is it that makes people want to have (their own) children so badly?
With so many unwanted babies in the world, why not adopt?
Oh I want to pass on my genes, pass on my family name. Really? You think your genes are that good and perfect? How vain are you? And what exactly are you passing down to your progeny? It’s not like we’re in the Middle Ages passing on our property and riches down to the next generation.

Personally I wouldn’t want another burgeoning version of me floating around.

With all that’s going in the world, how is it even safe to raise a child? Whether it’s carcinogenic plastic bottles or food filled with junk and sugar, it’s simply mind-blowing that there are healthy kids around.
I think about the personal and social responsibility one has once a parent. I would be terrified, thinking each negative response or experience could traumatize my child.

I had a co-worker once ask me if I wanted kids, and I responded, “no”. And he said that I was selfish. I jokingly replied “the earth is already overpopulated”. Funny aside, I took high offense to his criticism of my being selfish not wanting to have kids. I think it’s very responsible of me.
It takes a great deal to be a parent and an even bigger person to be a great parent.

It’s not just about raising a cute little boy or girl. It’s about giving life and properly teaching a human being that will impact society somehow!

I think a lot of people step into parenthood not knowing the huge burden it can be. I’m not saying there isn’t a beautiful payoff. But it’s a huge risk! Financially, time-wise, mentally, emotionally, physically, the list goes on.. Logically it doesn’t make sense, but I suppose life isn’t logical is it?

The whole thing boggles.