My lecture this evening in Arlington, Virginia

Sometimes married grad students ask me when is the right time to have children.  After I get my degree?  After my wife gets hers (or my husband gets his)?  After I land a teaching job?  After I win tenure?  After I am established in my field?  You see how it goes; the right time never comes.

My suggestion:  Children change us.  Don’t wait to have children when the right time has come; the time becomes right when you have them.  If you were ready for marriage, you are ready for children.  Stop waiting.  Stop dithering.  Just begin.