true family value

I came across this blog the other day, and for the past week have been completely enthralled by tales of MetroDad and his kid, Peanut. This is the magic of blogging…not only is a good writer as entertaining as any novelist, they usually use more bad words and potty humor as well. Not to mention being based on real-life events, which always makes a story better.

Most amusingly, this guy has mastered the juxtaposition of complete adoration for his kid with reasonable ridicule for all the dumb-ass stuff kids do. I mean, really, what is the point of having a kid if you can’t laugh at the ridiculous things they say/do/eat? It’s like cable, but free and 3D. Sometimes I’m not sure if I love a parent who can talk smack about their kid or just that I really hate one who thinks their kid is the smartest thing ever. Unless your kid’s name is Dougie or Encyclopedia – probably not that smart. So they know the alphabet. Big deal! I do too! How many languages can they speak?

I do find children adorable in small quantities and want to collect my own one day, but mostly I aspire to be a parent who simultaneously adores and ridicules their child. I believe those two emotions can co-exist; actually, I feel that way about most people in my life. hahaha. Just kidding. No, not really.

Thinking about the value family can add to your life also reminds me of a truly excellent article in this week’s Economist. Any time we’re using Adam Smith to talk someone into making the leap must be good times. And since some people like to point out that getting married offers no real tax-relief unless you have children, I would like to point out other economic gains to be had from tying the noose knot. Not only does marriage provide economies of scale (twenty-somethings in urban areas aren’t sharing studios with three college buddies just because they like them, right?), but it also allows for division of labor! And therefore, specialization of tasks! It’s so obvious. One person can color-code the closet while the other separates the produce drawer by density. Oh wait, those would both be me, actually.

So embrace the inevitable conformation to societal norms and parental pressure. Marriage and children will improve your life. Plus, you know, you’ll love them and all that. Or if not, at least it will give you something to blog about.