Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids: Why Being a Great Parent Is Less Work and More Fun Than You Think

American families are having fewer children than ever before. The culprit? Parents systematically overestimate the costs and underestimate the benefits of raising children. Caplan's work challenges this miscalculation by revealing four revolutionary insights: behavioral genetics research shows parenting style barely affects long-term outcomes, modern children are dramatically safer than previous generations, the exhausting early years give way to decades of joy, and more people benefit society through innovation and economic growth. This short demonstrates how parents can reduce their burden through strategic adjustments while recognizing that nature provides a powerful safety net. This work offers a liberating perspective that transforms parenting from anxious perfectionism into relaxed enjoyment, ultimately arguing that having more children serves both selfish interests and the greater good.