Motherhood in the United States

At some point in my early twenties I realized that I didn't have to have kids--that it wasn't required--and since then I have been thinking it over.  It was in Madagascar that I decided having kids was for me.........yet after only four months in the United States I find myself feeling afraid of having children.   Why the change of heart?   

Let's see....

In the United States you have to carry toys, food, clothes, car seat and so on every where you go.

In Madagascar your baby is on your back.

In the United States you are judged if your baby cries for more than two seconds.

In Madagascar babies cry sometimes.   

In the United States you must breastfeed in secret because boobs are just too pornographic to show.

In Madagascar you can breastfeed anywhere around anyone as it is the most natural thing in the world and clearly nonsexual.

In the United States you have to explain to your children why you are saying no.

In Madagascar you have authority over your children and no is no.

In the United States you watch your children alone in your house and are a wimp if you need help.

In Madagascar you raise your children with the neighborhood women.

In the United States you leave your child at daycare when you work or you stay home alone with them all day.

In Madagascar you take your child with you (at a fruit stand) and spend the day with other women who also have babies.   

In the United States you have to pay for a babysitter and you aren't supposed to rely on other people much to raise your children.

In Madagascar you can expect the full support of your family and friends including free 'babysitting'.

In the United States you can't physically discipline your children you must politely verbalize everything.

In Madagascar you can swat your kids to show them you are serious.   (It works too).

In the United States you treat your kids like siblings.

In Madagascar you are allowed to be the alpha dog of your kids.

In the United States kids have adult supervision at all times.

In Madagascar it is OK to leave kids alone with each other even at young ages.  

Having kids seems a lot natural in Madagascar than it does in the United States.