The Brian Lehrer Show Are You Ambivalent About Having Kids?
Jun 2, 2025
Listeners share their ambivalence about parenthood, highlighting financial fears and societal pressures. A grandmother reflects on her daughter's choice to remain child-free due to climate crisis concerns, showcasing deep emotional struggles. The discussion delves into modern challenges like infertility, while participants navigate the evolving landscape of family planning. This thought-provoking dialogue reveals the intricate factors shaping decisions about having children in today's world.
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Embracing Ambivalence on Parenting
- Ambivalence about parenthood is growing amid political and social polarization.
- The segment encourages sharing uncertainty instead of forcing definite stances on having children.
Climate Concerns Impact Parenting
- A grandmother discusses her 37-year-old daughter's decision not to have kids due to climate crisis fears.
- She worries about environmental collapse and the health care system's future in the U.S.
Wealth Doesn’t Solve Parenting Doubts
- Even high household incomes don’t guarantee confidence about affording children in expensive cities.
- Political instability and climate crises add to the hesitation to have kids.