On parents expecting too much of themselves

From Anna Williams at First Thoughts/First Things:

Continuing the debate over fertility and decadence that Matthew Schmitz has mentioned on this blog, Samuel Goldman suggests that underlying the low birth rates of wealthy nations is not just selfishness but a very high estimation of the requirements of parenting. The occasion for his post is a report on the low birthrate of Germany. Goldman writes:

While Germans expect relatively small personal and social benefits from childbearing, they see childrearing as an extremely intensive activity. That makes family a low-reward, high-investment arrangement. With these attitudes, its no wonder that they have few children.

As father of six perfect children, I think this lady makes a good point or two. Read the rest.