I would never let them think I regret them - that’s such a cruel thing to inflict upon them, and it’s certainly not their fault. I also don’t regret the joy it’s brought my wife.

I regret the loss of my mental energy and personal time, but not them, if that makes sense.

For me it helped to realize that the things I would have done with the extra time and energy would not have been that great. Some occasional dopamine bursts for a very mediocre outcome. Having kids is a better investment, but a less fun one.

> that’s such a cruel thing to inflict upon them

It certainly is. Speaking from personal experience. And he let me know in a very direct and cruel way.