Parents rationalize the economic cost of children by exaggerating their parental joy
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 - 19:00
in Psychology & Sociology
Any parent can tell you that raising a child is emotionally and intellectually draining. Despite their tales of professional sacrifice, financial hardship, and declines in marital satisfaction, many parents continue to insist that their children are an essential source of happiness and fulfillment in their lives. A new study suggests that parents create rosy pictures of parental joy as a way to justify the huge investment that kids require.