A copy of New York Magazine was lying in the lobby of my building. The cover displayed a provocative title: “Why Parents Hate Parenting.” I thought to myself: what a terribly negative article. I want nothing to do with it.
But then I saw the magazine again in a waiting room, and my curiosity got the best of me. I read it, and I stand by my initial opinion. It is a negatively charged article riddled with studies that conclude that being a parent does not increase your level of life happiness, but rather has the potential to make you more unhappy. Like I needed to read that!
One of the most uplifting quotes (can you feel my sarcasm) is this one: “Mothers are less happy than fathers, single parents are less happy still.”
The article told me things I already know like: ” Today’s married mothers also have less leisure time (5.4 fewer hours per week); 71 percent say they crave more time for themselves…”
I don’t need New York Magazine to tell me that I never get a break, my job as mother is 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
And you know what, New York Magazine? If you care so much about making me happy, come to my house and give me some time off. Let me go to the movies or get a pedicure!
If you see this article and you’re a parent, read it if you must, but know that it probably won’t tell you anything you don’t already know, and it might make you crankier than you already are in this 103 degree weather in New York City.
