Author Nat Eliason Challenges Conventional Wisdom: Parenting Proves "Far Easier and Better Than Expected"

Author and entrepreneur Nat Eliason has publicly shared a counter-narrative to the widely held belief that raising children is inherently difficult, stating that his experience with three daughters under the age of four has been "far easier and better than I could have possibly imagined." Eliason, known for his work in marketing and as the author of "Crypto Confidential" and the sci-fi novel "Husk," detailed his unexpected journey into parenthood in a recent personal essay.

Eliason's reflections, which he began writing in 2022 after his first daughter's birth, highlight a perceived societal tendency to overemphasize the hardships of parenting. He noted, "Quiet whispers and text messages from friends have trickled in: 'Why did everyone tell me this was so hard?' Revealing a kind of guilt over the joyous reality of life on the other side of having kids I and others did not expect." He urges those contemplating parenthood to "ignore the whiners and complainers" and "ignore the fear-mongering."

The essay posits that many of the perceived "costs" of having children, such as sleepless nights and reduced social life, are easily imagined, while the profound joys are not. Eliason draws a parallel to starting a running habit, where the initial pain is clear, but the long-term benefits are only understood through experience. He argues that even the challenges, like a crying baby, can foster shared moments of "strangely happy tension" between partners.

Eliason, who previously navigated the volatile crypto market and ran a marketing agency, contrasts the "optional" struggles of his professional life with the "non-optional" yet inherently fulfilling challenges of raising children. He emphasizes that "the kid train keeps moving," suggesting that the continuous, unavoidable nature of parental responsibility, unlike self-imposed professional goals, provides an inherent drive. This perspective stems from his background as a prolific writer and entrepreneur, where he has consistently explored new ventures.

The author also addresses common anxieties about preparing for children, suggesting that much of the "prep" can be done after a child's arrival. He notes that the gradual increase in demands with each child allows parents to adapt, stating, "It rarely gets hard all at once. You slide into the new level of challenge without really noticing it." Eliason concludes that having children has been "the greatest decision of our lives," a sentiment he attributes significantly to adopting the right attitude.