What is the quivering movement?

The "quivering movement" is the name social scientists give to the reluctance seen in several cultures to have children. Currently, the birthrate in many western countries is below that needed to maintain the population.

There are many different reasons for the lower birthrates. The increased availability of birth control is a major factor. People today tend to marry and/or have children later in life, leading to a shorter period of time in which to have children and lower fertility. Ironically, income has a negative effect on birthrate; those with higher income tend to value freedom and luxury while those with a lower income are more likely to value family.

The number one reason for the lower birthrate, however, is that kids are stinkin' scary. I mean, they come out all fragile and totally helpless. How do hospitals think it's okay to send first-time parents home with this completely vulnerable creature? Toddler years are all about investigating the world by putting everything in their mouths. Preschoolers run around like maniacs, running into walls. School-aged kids bring home every virus they can catch. And then you have to teach them how to drive. And then let them drive!

I'll admit, I entered into parenthood quivering, and my 19-year-old son can tell you it never stopped. Fear of parenting kept us out of the "quiverfull" movement that says you should have as many "arrows" in your quiver as you can.

Everyone who knows our son knows we settled for a single surface-to-air missile.

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