Show Choose parenthood over self Dear Editor Many people in modern society are debating debating debating debat debat- ing whether to be fruitful and multiply children or their income A lot of people wish to remain childless because they feel deprived of personal time and satisfaction Betty Rollin states in her article Motherhood Who Needs It Women are now beginning to think and do more about development of self of their individual resources Can you not achieve self-development self while acting as a parent The real question is what people consider to be the development of ones one's own growth maturing progress or improvement Yet many people in today's society interpret the meaning as the progress or improvement of ones one's financial and social status As a result monetary items seem to dominate and take control of peoples people's lives which then overrides the decision of paren paren- Betty Rollin also states in her article Fertility statistics statis statis- tics show snow clearly clear- clear EDITORS EDITOR'S NOTE ly that the more education and All letters to the editor income e an must be signed by the in individual in- in American the woman has the letter less likely she isto is isto isto to have a baby Personal improvement and satisfaction are very important Although I do not think personal personal personal per per- achievement includes only monetary goods attained from a fruitful education and anda a multiplying income but also what people achieve within themselves Parenthood teaches people patience love compassion integrity and of course stamina I feel these elements are more important than a persons person's social or financial status People can also gain rewards from parent parent- ing The many sleepless nights are replaced by a childs child's first word or first few steps It is amazing to watch children develop their own individual personality as well as the resemblance between a parent and child As most people have often heard A mans man's sonis son sonis sonis is an extension of himself I am not saying that being a parent brings forth all good things Parenting is very difficult difficult difficult dif dif- and requires much time effort and infinite infinite infinite in in- finite sacrifices Most parents give up many opportunities and quiet moments to rear their children but this does not mean parents give up their personal goals or dreams It does take more time for self-development self when a person is a parent Yet teaching children and watching them grow is an ultimate achievement achievement achievement achieve achieve- ment in itself Signed Danielle Ricken |