Children

I feel ridiculous saying something so obvious: children are good. It is a good thing that there are children.

Yes, it is good news that so-and-so is pregnant. Yes, it is good news that they are having a baby.

Yes, children are good. Why is this even a question?

Someone not having planned their pregnancy, or some parent who doesn't seem responsible enough, or even children being noisy and fussy in your neighborhood or restaurant or wherever does not change the fundamental fact that children are good.

Did we forget this? What happened?

Why would anyone react to a pregnancy announcement by saying you don't think the couple is up to it? Congratulate them! Celebrate them! Give a hug and squeal with joy! Give them a stroller and $50 (they'll need it!)

Pregnancy is hard work. A mother is providing literally everything for another human being. It's not easy. Give pregnant women support and encouragement before giving advice.

Listen, being a parent is hard enough. If you think someone's no good at it, don't talk smack about them - get on their side and help!

Being a child is hard too. Don't look at a misbehaving kid and judge them, or mutter about their parents not being strict enough. What good would that do? Take that child under your wing instead - but first of all, believe that child is good.

God made each child. And no child is a mistake. God doesn't make mistakes.

Children are good - without qualification, incredibly good.


A version of this article was originally published Feb. 16, 2018 in the Capital Journal.