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No kids, and never will, but I don't buy this argument. I grew up in the Herefordshire countryside, and then in a couple of these South East towns and villages. Sure we had big gardens, but I had fewer friends, never learned to do anything that I'd now appreciate (like BMX or skating), and later really struggled with how hard it was to get to anywhere interesting. My dad was miserable and very absent because he variably lived away in the week or had commutes of >1hr each way.
TvH-
I would never recommend it! And I'm not playing devil's advocate. Clearly lots of people do it and a scan of the sour faces on this commuter train suggest that lots of people regret it.
Sorry to hear your dad was miserable in work and commute and was therefore distant. Sounds like you have arranged your life in a way that suits you perfectly and for that you should be applauded and not challenged. But not everyone can manage this, so they/we compromise. That's all I meant to say.
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It's really hard to make generalisations on this stuff, but I do kind of agree with you. Although it does very much depend on your kids and where you are. Are they going to build BMX jumps or sit in the woods and do Ket?
My dad worked long hours and had a commute out of London. He hated London and desperately wanted to move out so he'd have space at the weekend to build motorbikes, cars etc. as he had no free time in the week. But since retirement he fucking loves being in London and it has undoubtedly given him a higher quality of life.
youramericanlover
hugo7
How big is your family? I find people not irrationally compromise their weekday life for indoor space for kids and fresh(er) air on the weekends.