Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids: Why Being a Great Parent is Less Work and More Fun Than You Think by Bryan Caplan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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 parenting 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.


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