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roguemultiverse's review against another edition
4.0
I think the cover's statement, "a must-read for parents, wannabe parents, & the cheerfully child-free" is accurate. While the book is good for all, it seems it might be best for those who are already parents. The author spends a good deal of time going over some of the myths of parenting and freeing parents from "guilt-peddlers". Those who want to be parents (or perhaps aren't sure if they want to be) get a realistic look at some of the things that few parents disclose. And those who are child-free will likely breathe a sigh of relief (or several) that they will never have to go through these things. The author had children but says that she did not love the parenting process despite loving her children. She seems supportive of people who want children (but wants them to make an informed decision), but she also validates those who don't. As she says, "We need to be strong. We need to take a stand. We need to think for ourselves. It doesn't serve us well to become embroiled in irrational pressure from society. We need to be sure that if we decide to have a child, it is a wise choice on our part; and we need to be sure that if we don't have a child, it is a wide choice on our part. (213)" I think this book will may help people to make a wise choice (and if one is already a parent it may help them feel less guilty about some of the choices they have made).
gwenlynjen's review against another edition
4.0
Really easy to read. The last few chapters were the best for me since I've been exploring the idea of being childfree. She brought up a lot of good points.
I think merge the last few chapters of her book with first few in The Parenthood Decision and you're well on your way.
I think merge the last few chapters of her book with first few in The Parenthood Decision and you're well on your way.
janet's review
3.0
In an effort to debunk many myths about parenting ("childcare is bliss!" "You will be so fulfilled!" "It is the ultimate experience!" "You must have kids to fulfill your destiny!" and on), Susan Jeffers occasionally veers into bitter territory. Yes, it's helpful that she is speaking words that many are afraid to utter (though not many in my circle who seem more self-assured), but I can't help wondering how I'd feel if my mom had written the book. I know for sure that my parents made MANY sacrifices to have me and my sister, but if they'd penned this self-help book and sounded as enthusiastically as Jeffers does when celebrating those who vocalize how much parenting sucks, I'd be a little offended.
Then again, I am a rather sensitive child.
I've been a childcare provider for many, many years, so much of Jeffers's book is unsurprising to me. I'm sure some child-free folks are unaware of how much a child can affect your life, but I'm not one of them. All the same, it was good to read this book for a couple of hours and examine what it means to have a child in your life...forever and ever. It is a good thing to read even if you are sure of your decision to have (or not have) kids--it will certainly help me better understand my friends who have children.
Then again, I am a rather sensitive child.
I've been a childcare provider for many, many years, so much of Jeffers's book is unsurprising to me. I'm sure some child-free folks are unaware of how much a child can affect your life, but I'm not one of them. All the same, it was good to read this book for a couple of hours and examine what it means to have a child in your life...forever and ever. It is a good thing to read even if you are sure of your decision to have (or not have) kids--it will certainly help me better understand my friends who have children.
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