What do you think of people who don’t want children?

[sunflower00]

I’ve never really wanted kids and a lot of people around me have said a lot of negative things about it. There’s a few reasons behind it, but I just have never been good with kids and have never really felt that desire. I love people and love caring for people and I have family members who are kids who I love, but I just don’t think I want my own.

Do you want kids? What do you think of people who don’t want them?

[TrueConfection]

I was certain I never wanted kids until I was 25. Then, after the first one, I wanted 10. I realized my busy life was actually very empty before I had my own children.

I think that people who don't want kids are smart enough to know what they want and don't want. No one should have a child just to fit a mold. Like any decision, choosing to have children or to not have children can come with regret later.

I personally can't imagine my life without them.

[sunflower00]

I’m glad you are happy with your children :) thanks for your response!

[sunflower00]

I’m worried I’ll regret it in the future, but I’m more worried that I would have them because I felt like I should and then regretted having them

[TrueConfection]

You have time. Wait until you meet the right person for you and then revisit that idea. Maybe a mindset of, "I don't want children... right now."

[uwu_princess]

I don't want children too.
If someone wanna have children or not = his/her business. It's fine, everyone doesn't need to have the same aim in their life..

[ChrisMaster69]

I respect them for their choice.

i know a few people like that, my sister is one and does not want kids.

equally I know girls that love the thought of getting pregnant and having kids,

Bizarrely the question before this one, was on on breeding fetish lol.

Two opposites.

[ArrowheadSW]

It isn't for everyone. There are a lot of cliches that people use like "Who will take care of you when you get older" and all that. There is no guarantee that kids will even grow up to be functional adults, let alone be able to take care of their parents... LOL

[sunflower00]

Yes! So many people say that to me. I think it’s a really selfish reason to have kids to be honest, and like you say you don’t even know if they will be able to take care of you anyway!

[ArrowheadSW]

I hear ya. Once someone posted a list of the cliches that people use to try to tell people that they should have kids. I laughed because I think I'd heard all of those before. But some people love it and they are good parents. But of course, not for everyone.

[zeitgeist057]

I come from a big family. I have 8 siblings and I love them, I love being part of a big family. I used to dream about having a big family of my own, and all my kids being so close like my siblings and I.

But as time went on, I never felt in a solid place to have kids. Financially just getting by, and sometimes just barely or not really. Felt like a child myself, so I kept postponing it. Eventually, I started to realize that if I had kids it would be a HUGE commitment and most of the things I do in my life, I would not be able to do. I would not be going out to play footie with friends, I would be making food for, dressing, rounding up , and taking my kids to their footie practice. I wouldn't be traveling the world, I'd be setting aside funds for college educations. I wouldn't be taking classes, I'd be at home teaching my kids. You get the idea. I would stop living my life for me, and start living my life for my kids.

It's a lot of work. A baby wakes up every 2-4 hours and wants to be held, fed, changed, &c. A toddler needs constant supervision. So do preschoolers. That's 5-11 years you basically can't take your attention off them for more than a few hours at a time. Forget about relaxing, it's responsibility from here on out. Of course, there are heaps of parents who don't live by such strict standards, and if their kids turn out a bit neglected it could be good or bad, and very few saints out there, and no real definition of "perfect parenting".

So I made the decision. I'm too selfish. I like free time. I like abundant resources at my disposal. I will be child free, and if I want to hang out or play with kids or contribute to their growth, there are plenty around in terms of family and friends with kids. I don't need to have my specific DNA replica running about.

As for what other people think of those who don't want children, you can expect some disapproval. Most people have a strong biological urge to procreate (I have this, too actually, but my logical processes "won") and the dominate culture is about procreating. They also do the thing that some omnivores do to some vegetarians & vegans : they feel like they are being judged or have a fear they will be, so they do a "hit them back first" approach and are abusively critical. Sort of a "oh, so you think you're better than me?" attitude. Others are old school and will give you a "oh, such a shame, you have such good genes and would make an amazing parent." vibe.

[SunsetBeautyxxxx]

I do want kids because I do get along great with them. I don't think its bad not to want kids, it's just a personal choice. But you might want to be with someone who also wants that decision too.

[sunflower00]

Of course! My partner doesn’t want kids either

[Anonymous]

I don’t want kids, and I understand exactly what you’re talking about too.
In the eyes of the old fashioned/older generation, a woman’s purpose is to pop babies out and carry on her bloodline with her husband. So people with old fashioned mindsets will always find ways to shame women in this new day & age, for not wanting to follow traditional lifestyles.

[Deathraider]

I don’t want kids and I don’t think I should have kids. I mean I have a few ethical concerns about having kids.

It’s a bit annoying when people say that I’ll change my mind one day.

[sunflower00]

I understand that, I hate when people tell me I’ll change my mind. It’s like they aren’t taking you seriously at all

[ShaTTeredMasterpeace]

I don't think anything of them. Unless they're over the top with letting people know they don't want kids.

I do want kids and will hopefully have at least one within the next year.

[Waldoe]

You have the RIGHT to live your life... it's too bad that these "friends" do not agree, maybe they are not really friends

[sunflower00]

It’s mostly family and a few of my friends. Family especially say that it’s selfish, they don’t take me seriously and say I’ll want them someday, tell me to stop being ridiculous etc. and my friends too, they say I’m not thinking about it properly and that I will want kids one day. I feel like I’m not being taken seriously and like I have a lot of pressure on me to have kids when I have literally not wanted them at any point in my life

[Charlesbrandonf]

Either way it’s good as long as they’re happy. Their body, their wish, their life goals. I want children. I don’t dislike someone who doesn’t want children.

[EmmaMary]

It's entirely their prerogative and choice, which I fully respect... Live and Let Live.

[RedStiletto88]

It’s really their decision, well actually really her decision and shouldn’t be shamed for that.

[MasonAlucardthethird]

I don’t either and it seems fairly normal with younger people nowadays to not want children. Also who cares what others think. It’s non of their business

[joeldalton]

I believe you've bought into this toxic nihilistic culture and when it is too late, you'll have regrets.

[sunflower00]

No, not really, I just don’t want kids personally. A lot of people have them because of pressure and regret it, wouldn’t that be worse?

[joeldalton]

Yes, really.

[SnakeBoop]

Cool. No deal either way.

[bowenw]

I think it's their choice alone to make.

[In_Trance]

Whatever works for them

[Anonymous]

That they are smart people

[clemdenim]

Your choice, people should quit judging you

[jahaims]

Nothing

[urpapi69]

I support you!

[Iron_Man]

That’s a shame