What matters, in raising a child?

Since I'm writing this blog for Deven & #2, as much as for anyone else who cares to read it, here's my brief perspective on the topic:

- Money: Doesn't matter, per se - but sure is helpful, to a point. Economists would use the term "marginal utility" to define how much money one needs to raise a kid. Said another way, money is good for paying bills, school field trips, and even a few unnecessary toys (Yogesh, finger pointed right at you, sweetie!) But after a point, money not only spoils, but corrupts children - sometimes badly. Case in point: "Paris Hilton."

- Education: People can be wise, without being book-smart. People can learn from experience, without finishing school. People can change the world, without knowing how to read. I wasn't one of those people. I was lucky - I had my parents' and grandparents' financial assistance to finish 16 years of school, and then I put myself through another 2 years. So, education doesn't preclude success and happiness for children, but it sure improves the odds. That said, Cases in point of people not needing (much) formal education and being wise and successful in their life: Albert Einstein and Daadi. Though as Yogesh would add, sometimes her wisdom is overbearing.

- Age: Matters to me; but maybe not to others. I wasn't emotionally ready to be a parent before the age of 29; maybe 28. Watching my sister, I think she realized she was ready, quickly, when she helped care for Deven at ~ 6 weeks old.

- Race: Doesn't matter. My family includes heritage of Austrian, Croatian, English, Filipino, Indian, Scottish, Spanish, and soon to be African, heritage. People of all races, including those of historically disadvantaged races, have done amazing things. Cases in point: Tiger Woods (a self-described "Cablinasian"), and (future): Deven Reid Sharma. :)

- Having a Dad around?: A tough one. As a mom, I couldn't do it without Yogesh. I have no idea how single moms do make it work - I have the greatest respect for them. Some women just rise to the occasion and perform the 2.5x effort required to raise a child - or more than one - to be happy, successful, and well-adjusted citizens. So, it's a case-by-case basis, but I'm not strong enough to do it on my own. Someone who did? Case in point: Barack Obama's mom.

I was recently called a Limousine Liberal, and have edited this post from its initial content - but not deleted it, as I do want Deven to know how his mom felt about these things. Though, if I were to define myself, I wouldn't use that term. I'd just say I keep (mostly) San Francisco Values. Which, since I live here, I don't think is such a bad thing.