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Selfish Reasons To Have More Kids: Why Being A Great Parent Is Less Work And More Fun Than You Think (2011)

by Bryan Caplan(Favorite Author)
3.36 of 5 Votes: 3
ISBN
046501867X (ISBN13: 9780465018673)
languge
English
publisher
Basic Books
review 1: The research presented here, mostly culled from twin studies in the western world, provides anxious parents with two important facts. 1) Because so much of who children become is determined by genetics, it makes more sense to relax and enjoy their upbringing instead of trying to cram days full of enriching activities. 2)The usual excuses against having more (or any children) simply don't hold water. Children are healthier, safer, and more affordable(based on parents' real incomes) than they were in "the good old days" so, if you like your kids, and want to up the odds of children and grandchildren being a part of your life in your later years, have more children. Thankfully, the author is not trying to force a certain family size on anyone, simply pointing out that parenti... moreng need not be as stressful as we in the western world tend to make it. That's useful advice for parents of any number of children.
review 2: I enjoyed this book tremendously, if for no other reason than it gave me justification for my "free range kids" style of parenting. With a full time job, three kids and graduate school, my kids have to be free range. There isn't enough of mommy and daddy to go around.The book is not for everyone. You need an analytical mind to accept the statistical justifications for parenting choices in the book. If you don't do math, you will have a hard time getting over your emotional acceptance of current conventional wisdom, science-be-damned. less
Reviews (see all)
helloreader
Didn't convince me of the title thesis but the research on nature vs nurture is jaw-droppin.g
Ines
He overplays his hand, but it's pleasant to see someone arguing in favour of larger families.
Milo
I didn't agree with every conclusion in the book, but the case is laid out logically.
Emma
Changed my mind about a lot of things.
bburley
Asinine in every way. Don't bother.
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