Parenthood is not associated with enhanced mental health, and, in fact, is more likely to be associated with symptoms of depression, according to recently published sociological research. The research finds that parents of all types report more symptoms of depression than nonparents. In addition, the research confirms that certain types of parenthood are associated with more depression than others.
“People with minor children at home, noncustodial children, adult children at home, and nonresidential stepchildren all report significantly more symptoms of depression than nonparents when controlling for sociodemographic factors,” says Evenson. “In fact, there is no type of parent in this national sample that reports less symptoms of depression than nonparents.”
You have to live long enough to become a burden to your kids and grandkids. It’s the only chance for revenge.
Mmmm… it’s the very fact that I have kids which makes Christmas worthwhile. I enjoy it more as an adult with kids than I did when I was a kid. Before kids, it was just an excuse to work Christmas day to take advantage of the time and half offered.
The final revenge is when they pick the retirement home.
mike, you’re right about that. My boss’ son wants an iPod that plays video for giftmas. He just wanted to get him a cheap shuffle. I reminded him that one day his son will chose the home he dies in. My boss bought the expensive one.
My first Christmas (yes! I said it!) with my new born daughter… She will be one month old on Christmas Eve, and I’ve never been so excited! Got the nice Douglas Fir, some LED tree lights and the first ornament for the baby! Here’s to hoping there will be more!
Of course, if she stops crying it’ll be a lot more fun…
Almost all parents will worry more about finances and security. It’s not just parenthood, but the culture we created. Many children as raised like they are entitled to whatever they want, and aren’t taught responsibility and sacrifice. A whining spoiled child and ultimately an adult is enough to drive anyone around the bend. I’ll get flamed here, but children generally did better when they had a full time parent at home and not shuffled off to daycare. Good parenting is a lot harder and challenging than any job you’ll work. The consequences of success and failure is greater.
Having kids is nice on Christmas because you can buy them things YOU want to play with!