We're bringing children into a world that's better than ever before in history—that’s simply a fact (by almost all measurable statistics). Yes, there are some c

We're bringing children into a world that's better than ever before in history—that’s simply a fact (by almost all measurable statistics). Yes, there are some challenges, but the panic is likely overblown. As for why have kids, beyond the fact that our civilization would collapse without them (unless we solve aging), it’s because they are truly wonderful. Parents may complain about the hard parts but rarely mention the great parts, as no one really wants to hear about them. It doesn’t feel natural to tell my childless friends how rewarding it is, especially since it can come across as judgmental. This has led to a situation where those without children don’t quite believe parents when they say they don’t regret having kids, assuming it must be some kind of coping mechanism. But we, as parents, are the only ones who have experienced both childless lives and lives with children, and we tend to prefer the latter (though, of course, there are exceptions). Do you ever feel existential dread? Do you ever wonder what life is for, or find it all feels pointless? Do you ever feel simply bored? I felt these things regularly in my twenties. While I wasn’t depressed, I could push through these feelings most of the time, though they worsened as I got older. Since having kids, I haven’t felt that way once. The benefits of a childfree life, like extensive travel, while great fun in moderation is not something you build your life around. The life I had before feels hollow and shallow. Either way, I'll get to experience this life once more when they move out, and will deal with it then, but then with the fulfillment of knowing you have a family that you raised.