Having two parents who love each other and treat each other with respect and affection is the greatest gift parents can give to their children. I know circumstances such as being a widow or widower make that impossible at times, but kids truly do benefit from that solid, loving partnership foundation in ways we can hardly fathom.

Is having kids worth it? For me, yes. But I love kids and always knew I wanted them even though I only ended up having one. I don't think parenting is something that everyone ought to do, and frankly I wish more people waited till they were older, calmer and better educated befiore they had kids. It is a life-altering experience, and not always in only good ways. It's a huge adjustment to get accustomed to living your life for someone else, and that's what you have to do when you have small children, basically. They become the driving priority. If you're not ready to let that happen, you're not ready for kids.