New Book ~ Why Have Kids? by Jessica Valenti

 

WHY HAVE KIDS?

A New Mom Explores the Truth About

Parenting and Happiness

Why Have Kids? by Jessica Valenti was released on September 4th.  Though the title of the book may have you wondering, the author is not making a case against having children.  In fact Jessica is a new mom herself.  Instead the author asks questions to make you think - probably something anyone should do before they have kids. 

“This is a book about how the American ideal of parenting doesn’t match the reality of our lives, and how that incompatibility is hurting parents and children,” says Valenti.  “The truth about parenting is that the reality of our lives needs to be enough. Seeking out an ideal that most of us can never reach is making us, and our kids, miserable.”

I haven't read this book yet myself, but I'm definitely curious about it.  There are many times I feel inadequate as a mother, too selfish of my time or too demanding of my kids then guilty about all of it.  I am very well aware they my family will never meet the "ideal", but there are still many times I find myself comparing us to others.  Will I ever learn to stop the comparisons and is it making me miserable?  Yes, I do feel pressure in my life, but I don't think the pressure eliminates all the joy.

I believe Why Have Kids? would be a thought provoking read and one that would make for some great discussions.  You can find it now on Amazon.  You can also learn more about the author Jessica Valenti on her site and follow her on Twitter @JessicaValenti.


Disclosure:  This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. I received a copy of Why Have Kids? and compensation for my time investment and work on this campaign.