The number of babies born in the US in 2018 fell to the lowest level in 32 years, according to a 2019 report by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. The numbers indicate an ever-growing trend of more and more young people, especially millennials, opting for a childfree lifestyle.
Even though the joys of growing a child are undisputable, skipping parenthood may often seem an appealing decision to millennials who face college debts and enormous costs of living. Instead, many opt for the freedom of traveling, experiencing things, and cherishing their personal independence.
But in order to find out why exactly so many people make the decision of a childfree life, we have to look at what these people have to say themselves. So we rounded up some of the most illuminating tweets on the joys of life without kids that will surely give everyone a lot to think about.
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This needs to be at the top. I never even realized this before but this is so important.
To find out more about why some people opt not to have kids, Bored Panda reached out to Amy Blackstone, professor of sociology at the University of Maine and the author of “Childless by Choice: The Movement Redefining Family & Creating a New Age of Independence.”
Amy explained that people opt out of parenthood for both internal and external reasons. In terms of the internal, “research shows that common reasons include a desire for autonomy, an interest in spontaneity, and a preference to nurture relationships with partners and others in their life.”
Another interesting finding according to Amy is that childfree people cite concern about the environment, concern over the state of world affairs, and concern for the children who are already here. “Increasingly, I'm hearing from childfree people that environmental concerns top their list of reasons for opting out of parenthood,” she said.
When asked about the kinds of joys that childless life can bring, Amy confessed she was happy to hear the question.
Amy, who leads a happy childfree life herself, said that “One of the most common myths about childfree people is that we live sad, lonely lives. Nothing could be further from the truth.”
“People without children report that they enjoy nurturing the bonds they share with their partners and friends, that they feel fulfilled by having the time and resources to give back to their communities, and that they appreciate the freedom to pursue a wide variety of interests, passions, and hobbies.”
Not to mention infertility is a thing, trauma is a thing, mental and physical health issues that are passed down are a thing. There are so many reasons someone might be childless and it isn't your business
Yes... that's all we want. if we feel like having a kid, we'll borrow a nephew or niece for a week just to get it out of our system
I refer to my human kids as "skin babies" all the time. They think it's hilarious. They also call our cats their brothers and sister
children are EXPENSIVE, it's beyond me to think that people have more than one of them. AND you have to keep spending to care and nurture them until they are matured and ready for the world on their own. based on the culture you are raised from, that could range from 18y or until they have a stable job and/or married themselves.
and all the people in the restaurant also trying to have a nice meal.....
As a childless/free/whatever woman who used to work 60-hour weeks until the pandemic hit, I’m gonna vote no.
Plus when you realize nobody is actively destroying your house, you don't have to waste time/money on food they won't eat, & that you can own even mildly delicate things without fear.
Or working retail and seeing those little crotch goblins screaming and throwing s**t everywhere. I actually feel my ovaries shrivel up when I witness this.
Ha! My ex-wife did this at a gathering of my family once. No one ever handed her a baby again.
I love that the person who posted this is using an avatar of Princess Caroline, a character whose major arc on the show "BoJack Horseman" is that she really REALLY wants to have a kid.
Yes it's selfish not to create something that you parade around for attention and gifts, and stealing people's free time.
Day care costs $12000 a year for one kid....kids cost WAY more than $15000
This is SO annoying. I was told this so many times ! I wanted to be sterilised in my 30's, but they wouldn't do it, as I "might change my mind, as I had just gotten married". Never mind that we were both 37 and had never wanted children !! So I just kept taking the pill constantly so I wouldn't have a period, couldn't bear them !
Humans are such a bad design... now I understand villains in movies trying to change humans to lizards or something
What imbecile is trying to save their marriage by having kids?! That's probably the biggest challenge for any relationship and even the great ones don't always survive the transition of become parents.
I wasn't allowed to touch the football in highschool as I had a "fumbling" problem...but sure I'll hold your spawn...
25 is too young. People encouraging you to have kids when you’re still basically a kid, only do it because misery loves company.
Read this is as my kid literally asked me "do you have any gum in your bag?" I think BP is screwing with me!! Lol!!
Only if you’re not middle eastern. I’ve literally never EVER not been pulled for second screening since 9/11. Not even on domestic flights.
And always white couples too. We rarely (if ever) see brown couples cooing over their baby. I wonder why...? (Answer: subtle racism that white babies are precious, but brown ones are not)
I did this to my parents as a kid because I kept feeling the seam inside my socks pressing against my toes. I think most socks now are made without the seam there.
People who tell me to have kids are mostly the ones that make me more certain that i don't want them. They complain all the time, constantly. Some of them have grown up kids, some have small kids. I never hear one nice thing, only about how tired they are, how much something cost or how their kids are spoiled and disobedient. They spend most of their time on work on the phone with the 20+ years old children, asking if they have eaten and explaining where the food is (in the fridge!). Really tempting.
I dunno, sounds like a dad joke... Might wanna have your partner take a pregnancy test just in case!
The Australopithicine Taung child discovered in South Africa is believed to have been carried off by an eagle some 2 million years ago. They discovered this by examining the marks the talons made in its eye sockets.
I like brunch! But its mostly because i love breakfast foods, i just really hate the hours in which they are normally eaten! Lol!
I just want people to stop pressuring others. Do what you want. I have neither a marriage or kids and it is exactly what I want.
I can't get over it that people don't realize how rude it is to ask someone why they don't have kids. What kind of answer do they expect? "I don't want any", "I can't have any", ... Either way; uncomfortable conversation following.
Speaking as someone who cannot have kids: I'm completely fine with a childless/childfree life, but the worst part about infertility is having to deal with people judging my childlessness as some sort of selfish act, or something that can be changed with enough persuasion. I understand that asking people "when are you going to have kids" might seem like a natural conversational filler, but for some people, it could actually be a really sensitive topic that they don't want to get into at work/at a family gathering/etc, and any reluctance to discuss children/fertility should be respected. Infertility is not something I ever feel happy about having to defend or justify. Posts like this make me realise I am not alone, but I think it's sad that childless people are so often not respected as "complete" or "fulfilled" human beings. For some people, a childless/childfree is a choice. For some of us, it is not. Either way, we deserve respect.
Wow!! This has made me a little cross actually; maybe it's because I'm a person who minds their own business and doesn't ask people when they're having babies etc but what is with the hate for people who do choose to have children? I wanted nothing more than to be a mother and I'm so proud of myself and my daughters! These people are complaining about others being judgmental but all I see here is hypocrisy. People claiming that they can afford things and go out for nice meals as they don't have children, I can do these things and I am a young mum to 2 young children. Would they moan about over population/resources when my daughter could be the very Dr that saves their life or provides a service to them in some way as they grow old as we're an ageing population regardless!
I'm 41, never ever wanted kids, never ever changed my mind, and I don't feel like something is missing in my life, in the slightest. That said, I feel the deepest respect for people who make the choice of being parents. I think it's a tough job and requires a lot of effort and energy. A lot of these tweets confirm the stereotype that childless people are shallow and childish themselves. I don't think the good answer is basically saying that children are a nightmare and "you shouldn't have them". I think the best position would be understanding that there isn't just one path in life, and that everyone needs to make the choice that resembles them the most.
where I'm from, children is your ONLY retirement plan. so if you're not planning to marry and/or have kids, you're not gonna have anyone to take care of you in your elderly years, that's why a lot of ppl would try to talk you out of being single and/or childless. but it's stupid. I'm planning to live my life alone to the end after all. I had to save ALL my money for a nice retirement.
As a GenXer, I applaud the idea of leaving people the f**k alone about kids/no kids. I couldn't. Stop asking why. Stop suggesting things. Stop. Just... STOP. I hit 40 before total strangers shut the he** up. Twenty years of this crap for no reason but some random stranger or family member satisfying their need to force the world to live like they want it to. Ugh.
I have a teenage son. He is my pride and joy, but also the noisiest pain in the ass I've ever met. I like him more than all my pets combined, plus we spent about an hour last night watching old UFC fights on YouTube, and none of my pets has ever had anything funny to say about Conor McGregor. I totally get the appeal of being child free forever, but my kid is one of my favorite people ever, and I never regretted having him, even though he's spent most of the past sixteen years screaming in the house.
I have never wanted kids. I'm assuming it is because I had so much responsibility with my younger siblings that I felt I had "been there, done that". But also, my older sister was (is) the spawn of Satan, and I knew I had the genetic potential to make someone like her. Add in the number of hereditary diseases in my family, the fact that I'm short (5'4") with stupidly enormous boobs, the world is already overpopulated, children are wildly expensive, and I'm pretty happy with my decision.
Sometimes, asking about kids is just small talk, like weather, or 'what do you do?'. Unless you hate kids, it's not an offensive question in anyway. The way you are so taken aback when hearing people talking about kids is the same as how they feel when you say kids are annoying and parenting is miserable. Having kids has its own pros and cons. And those who advise you to have kids are talking out of their own happy experience. They probably mean no ill will.
I don’t disagree with people’s choice to not have kids. Parenthood is no small thing and a huge responsibility and not everyone is cut out for it. I do, however, want to state that I pay $8000 a year on childcare for two kids and consider it money well spent. Just as you would not want judgment on having children, do not judge my spending habits either.
Everyone just needs to chiiilllll on both sides of the kid fence. It's not for everyone and that's cool. It ain't cool to go around harassing others for not having kids, it ain't cool to harass others for having kids.
My daughter has told me that the kitten that she adopted with her boyfriend a little while ago will be the only grandchild I’ll have, and I told her I am totally fine with this :) My partner isn’t amused however when I call him Grandpa..I wonder why? :D
As someone who doesn't have kids, I want to say three things. First, there are some people that I know that don't have kids, but I think that they would make awesome parents! I totally respect their choice not to have kids. Second, I think that it is so engrained in us to have kids, that people just can't understand that there are people who freely choose not to have kids. There is no law that says we have all have kids. Finally, to all of the people who are tired of people complaining and trying to make you feel guilty, tell them that if they don't like the fact that you don't want kids, then they are more than welcome to continue the discussion after you get back from your nice kid free vacation!
I love kids. I have kids. Some people want kids, some don't. Some people make wonderful parents. Unfortunately, there are many people who are terrible parents, yet they have kids. Good on people who know they do not want children. Better to not want and not have, than to have and not want.
I'm sure many may have a differing argument to this but I honestly think that 'child free' individuals can 100% say that they would prefer their life without a child as they wouldn't have experienced the love/connection and presence of your own child where as someone who has a child would have experienced a time without that. I get that everyone has hugely different experiences and who is to say life would work out as you wanted it to either way but my point still stands. I'm a mum and there are definitely some aspects of my life I enjoyed more before I had children but there are also many aspects I can now enjoy because of having them, which I would never have known.
I knew from an early age I was to remain child-free and I am. My status empowers me to be a professional magician which means I get paid to engage in an activity I would gladly do for free. Smartest decision I have ever made.
There's only one valid reason to have kids. Because you want them. If you're thinking about having kids and that isn't on your list of reasons, you should stop thinking about having kids - and stop judging others for not having them.
If you're not the one who's making the decisions about MY body, then get the hell away from me! Don't tell me what to do! I'm just 19, but I know I don't want to have kids. Every person that's heard me say this tells me "you're too young to know what you want." Yeah, so I guess 18 isn't too young to decide what career you want! I'm never getting married or having kids. Kids are also really expensive. Do you think a musician's pay is enough to take care of a child? No, it's not! I'm already struggling to pay rent in college even though I share an apartment with three other people and have financial aid from my aunt. I'm not going to force my (non-existent) kid and me to starve because I can barely pay for shelter. Don't tell me what to do. Do you own me? No, ya don't, so get out of my goddamn face!
I mean I find babies and if you will very small children awfully cute and I was going through a phase where I thought I must have one NOW or I'll die but that has passed. I know I can't handle all that drama and responsibilities and no time for myself. Hell, I sometimes even find our two cats strenous as hell when they race through the flat while I'm trying to work and jump behind the TV for the ooptomaloompth time. But, I must admit that since we have them, I can understand a little bit better the parents saying "sometimes I want to shoot them to the moon in a rocketship but I would never want to miss them". :)
Took me years to conceive..family and friends said I was lucky not to have children as I have freedom.. I have two children now and have never felt more alive.. each to their own .. I love my life now and don't regret a thing !
I do want kids, but two adopted ones. I do not need a husband to have a family, and no it is not my obligation to society, no matter what you say Karen
My husband and I are not parents and loved to see our nieces and nephews! And if hen I was having an issue with one of my sister with kids, I’d just load the kids up with sugar! Then, give them back! But now they are all adults, well adjusted and fun to be around! We are, along with one other sister, the cool aunts and uncle!
Is it wrong for a Christian to not have kids? Just asking
Maybe just let other people live their lives the way they want to. The choice to have children or not is a personal one, and parenthood isn't for everyone. (Note: I'm 55, and I have never, not once, bugged my 30yo daughter about grandchildren. It's her life; she gets to make the choices. Nor does she "owe me" grandchildren. Would I like to have grandchildren? Only if she wants children.)
People — “Why don’t you want kids?” Me — “I just don’t want to.” People — “Do you hate babies??” Me — “What? No, I just don’t want the responsibility.” People — “So you’re sterile??” Me — “Really? What part of your brain thought it’s ok to ask that? But no, I just DON’T WANT THE RESPONSIBILITY, as I told you 3 seconds ago.” People — “But you have cat.” Me — “Yeah...... not the same.”
Both situations are great, watching my daughter learn new stuffs is amazing.
I used to hate it when colleagues brought their new baby into the office. Apparently, I was supposed to enthuse over these delicate tiny beings. They just didn’t get that I have zero interest when it comes to babies. My nephew and all my cousins children I have willingly cuddled and adore!
Infertility rates are climbing. Most people don't openly tell even their families or close friends because it's added pressure. Just leave people alone to let them have their own lives
People used to ask me when I was going to have kids despite not being married and being like 21, they would always say oh when you have a nice man and have a kids, I would then tell them I didn't want any and they would give me the same line about changing my mind. So I stated telling people I can't have any, now they say well you can adopt... Like no you don't understand, me having kids would be terrible, mental Illness it tramatizing to kids I'm not going to either pass it on or adopt a kid for them to see me all messed up. They would think I don't love them, why would I want to do that to someone????
So glad to (finally!!) see antinatalist comments on here. Anyone who thinks it's ok to have children right now is completely out of touch with reality. Breeding is the epitome of selfishness.
I also see nothing wrong with not having kids! We have had cats, and now, a great dog! He is like a small old man with a kids joy for play, and a personality. That makes us laugh! Also, we never have to give him money, he has always slept with us, and never wets the bed! And gross, but quite helpful, if he barfs, he cleans it up, by eating it again!
The title of the Dr. Blackstone's book is "Childfree by Choice: The Movement Redefining Family and Creating a New Age of Independence" (not "Childless") and working links can be found at her website werenothavingababy (dot) com.
The title of the Dr. Blackstone's book is "Childfree by Choice: The Movement Redefining Family and Creating a New Age of Independence" (not "Childless") and working links can be found here https://werenothavingababy.com/buy-the-book/
Ah.. no children.. free to leave my home when I want ...come home..when I want.. spend my money on Me!..no internal clock here ticking.. children are selfish ..rude..horrible messy little a**holes. no thank you .
You were once children. It is sad that so many parents failed to raise their own children to love and celebrate children. So jaded...
I CAN"T have kids and I don't WANT kids. I still get the "oh you will change your mind one day" and " oh, my friend thought she couldn't have kids and she got pregnant". Just stop! PLEASE!
If anyone asks you why you’re not having kids let them go on for a second about how kids are such a joy and you’re missing out or not doing your duty as a married person or whatever and then pretend to get really upset and say you can’t and any time anyone even mentions it you get really sad. I guess it could be seen as bad but imo if you make them feel shameful enough for even mentioning it it could prevent them from saying it to someone who actually gets upset.
For the person, “Nina” that said, “All my friends that have children think I’m so lucky I don’t have any,” well, maybe you just think they are thinking that. I love my adult children, have never regretted having them, and I don’t envy you.
There will always be stupid intrusive questions. This will be minimal in 30 years with a generational shift. People don’t freak out any more if you say you don’t wanna go too college. 30 years ago that was the cookie cutter expectation. Graduate high school, college, marriage, house, kids. That has changed drastically and people without 3 kids and white picket fences will be praised for being considerate for not eating up the food supply!
I just want people to stop pressuring others. Do what you want. I have neither a marriage or kids and it is exactly what I want.
I can't get over it that people don't realize how rude it is to ask someone why they don't have kids. What kind of answer do they expect? "I don't want any", "I can't have any", ... Either way; uncomfortable conversation following.
Speaking as someone who cannot have kids: I'm completely fine with a childless/childfree life, but the worst part about infertility is having to deal with people judging my childlessness as some sort of selfish act, or something that can be changed with enough persuasion. I understand that asking people "when are you going to have kids" might seem like a natural conversational filler, but for some people, it could actually be a really sensitive topic that they don't want to get into at work/at a family gathering/etc, and any reluctance to discuss children/fertility should be respected. Infertility is not something I ever feel happy about having to defend or justify. Posts like this make me realise I am not alone, but I think it's sad that childless people are so often not respected as "complete" or "fulfilled" human beings. For some people, a childless/childfree is a choice. For some of us, it is not. Either way, we deserve respect.
Wow!! This has made me a little cross actually; maybe it's because I'm a person who minds their own business and doesn't ask people when they're having babies etc but what is with the hate for people who do choose to have children? I wanted nothing more than to be a mother and I'm so proud of myself and my daughters! These people are complaining about others being judgmental but all I see here is hypocrisy. People claiming that they can afford things and go out for nice meals as they don't have children, I can do these things and I am a young mum to 2 young children. Would they moan about over population/resources when my daughter could be the very Dr that saves their life or provides a service to them in some way as they grow old as we're an ageing population regardless!
I'm 41, never ever wanted kids, never ever changed my mind, and I don't feel like something is missing in my life, in the slightest. That said, I feel the deepest respect for people who make the choice of being parents. I think it's a tough job and requires a lot of effort and energy. A lot of these tweets confirm the stereotype that childless people are shallow and childish themselves. I don't think the good answer is basically saying that children are a nightmare and "you shouldn't have them". I think the best position would be understanding that there isn't just one path in life, and that everyone needs to make the choice that resembles them the most.
where I'm from, children is your ONLY retirement plan. so if you're not planning to marry and/or have kids, you're not gonna have anyone to take care of you in your elderly years, that's why a lot of ppl would try to talk you out of being single and/or childless. but it's stupid. I'm planning to live my life alone to the end after all. I had to save ALL my money for a nice retirement.
As a GenXer, I applaud the idea of leaving people the f**k alone about kids/no kids. I couldn't. Stop asking why. Stop suggesting things. Stop. Just... STOP. I hit 40 before total strangers shut the he** up. Twenty years of this crap for no reason but some random stranger or family member satisfying their need to force the world to live like they want it to. Ugh.
I have a teenage son. He is my pride and joy, but also the noisiest pain in the ass I've ever met. I like him more than all my pets combined, plus we spent about an hour last night watching old UFC fights on YouTube, and none of my pets has ever had anything funny to say about Conor McGregor. I totally get the appeal of being child free forever, but my kid is one of my favorite people ever, and I never regretted having him, even though he's spent most of the past sixteen years screaming in the house.
I have never wanted kids. I'm assuming it is because I had so much responsibility with my younger siblings that I felt I had "been there, done that". But also, my older sister was (is) the spawn of Satan, and I knew I had the genetic potential to make someone like her. Add in the number of hereditary diseases in my family, the fact that I'm short (5'4") with stupidly enormous boobs, the world is already overpopulated, children are wildly expensive, and I'm pretty happy with my decision.
Sometimes, asking about kids is just small talk, like weather, or 'what do you do?'. Unless you hate kids, it's not an offensive question in anyway. The way you are so taken aback when hearing people talking about kids is the same as how they feel when you say kids are annoying and parenting is miserable. Having kids has its own pros and cons. And those who advise you to have kids are talking out of their own happy experience. They probably mean no ill will.
I don’t disagree with people’s choice to not have kids. Parenthood is no small thing and a huge responsibility and not everyone is cut out for it. I do, however, want to state that I pay $8000 a year on childcare for two kids and consider it money well spent. Just as you would not want judgment on having children, do not judge my spending habits either.
Everyone just needs to chiiilllll on both sides of the kid fence. It's not for everyone and that's cool. It ain't cool to go around harassing others for not having kids, it ain't cool to harass others for having kids.
My daughter has told me that the kitten that she adopted with her boyfriend a little while ago will be the only grandchild I’ll have, and I told her I am totally fine with this :) My partner isn’t amused however when I call him Grandpa..I wonder why? :D
As someone who doesn't have kids, I want to say three things. First, there are some people that I know that don't have kids, but I think that they would make awesome parents! I totally respect their choice not to have kids. Second, I think that it is so engrained in us to have kids, that people just can't understand that there are people who freely choose not to have kids. There is no law that says we have all have kids. Finally, to all of the people who are tired of people complaining and trying to make you feel guilty, tell them that if they don't like the fact that you don't want kids, then they are more than welcome to continue the discussion after you get back from your nice kid free vacation!
I love kids. I have kids. Some people want kids, some don't. Some people make wonderful parents. Unfortunately, there are many people who are terrible parents, yet they have kids. Good on people who know they do not want children. Better to not want and not have, than to have and not want.
I'm sure many may have a differing argument to this but I honestly think that 'child free' individuals can 100% say that they would prefer their life without a child as they wouldn't have experienced the love/connection and presence of your own child where as someone who has a child would have experienced a time without that. I get that everyone has hugely different experiences and who is to say life would work out as you wanted it to either way but my point still stands. I'm a mum and there are definitely some aspects of my life I enjoyed more before I had children but there are also many aspects I can now enjoy because of having them, which I would never have known.
I knew from an early age I was to remain child-free and I am. My status empowers me to be a professional magician which means I get paid to engage in an activity I would gladly do for free. Smartest decision I have ever made.
There's only one valid reason to have kids. Because you want them. If you're thinking about having kids and that isn't on your list of reasons, you should stop thinking about having kids - and stop judging others for not having them.
If you're not the one who's making the decisions about MY body, then get the hell away from me! Don't tell me what to do! I'm just 19, but I know I don't want to have kids. Every person that's heard me say this tells me "you're too young to know what you want." Yeah, so I guess 18 isn't too young to decide what career you want! I'm never getting married or having kids. Kids are also really expensive. Do you think a musician's pay is enough to take care of a child? No, it's not! I'm already struggling to pay rent in college even though I share an apartment with three other people and have financial aid from my aunt. I'm not going to force my (non-existent) kid and me to starve because I can barely pay for shelter. Don't tell me what to do. Do you own me? No, ya don't, so get out of my goddamn face!
I mean I find babies and if you will very small children awfully cute and I was going through a phase where I thought I must have one NOW or I'll die but that has passed. I know I can't handle all that drama and responsibilities and no time for myself. Hell, I sometimes even find our two cats strenous as hell when they race through the flat while I'm trying to work and jump behind the TV for the ooptomaloompth time. But, I must admit that since we have them, I can understand a little bit better the parents saying "sometimes I want to shoot them to the moon in a rocketship but I would never want to miss them". :)
Took me years to conceive..family and friends said I was lucky not to have children as I have freedom.. I have two children now and have never felt more alive.. each to their own .. I love my life now and don't regret a thing !
I do want kids, but two adopted ones. I do not need a husband to have a family, and no it is not my obligation to society, no matter what you say Karen
My husband and I are not parents and loved to see our nieces and nephews! And if hen I was having an issue with one of my sister with kids, I’d just load the kids up with sugar! Then, give them back! But now they are all adults, well adjusted and fun to be around! We are, along with one other sister, the cool aunts and uncle!
Is it wrong for a Christian to not have kids? Just asking
Maybe just let other people live their lives the way they want to. The choice to have children or not is a personal one, and parenthood isn't for everyone. (Note: I'm 55, and I have never, not once, bugged my 30yo daughter about grandchildren. It's her life; she gets to make the choices. Nor does she "owe me" grandchildren. Would I like to have grandchildren? Only if she wants children.)
People — “Why don’t you want kids?” Me — “I just don’t want to.” People — “Do you hate babies??” Me — “What? No, I just don’t want the responsibility.” People — “So you’re sterile??” Me — “Really? What part of your brain thought it’s ok to ask that? But no, I just DON’T WANT THE RESPONSIBILITY, as I told you 3 seconds ago.” People — “But you have cat.” Me — “Yeah...... not the same.”
Both situations are great, watching my daughter learn new stuffs is amazing.
I used to hate it when colleagues brought their new baby into the office. Apparently, I was supposed to enthuse over these delicate tiny beings. They just didn’t get that I have zero interest when it comes to babies. My nephew and all my cousins children I have willingly cuddled and adore!
Infertility rates are climbing. Most people don't openly tell even their families or close friends because it's added pressure. Just leave people alone to let them have their own lives
People used to ask me when I was going to have kids despite not being married and being like 21, they would always say oh when you have a nice man and have a kids, I would then tell them I didn't want any and they would give me the same line about changing my mind. So I stated telling people I can't have any, now they say well you can adopt... Like no you don't understand, me having kids would be terrible, mental Illness it tramatizing to kids I'm not going to either pass it on or adopt a kid for them to see me all messed up. They would think I don't love them, why would I want to do that to someone????
So glad to (finally!!) see antinatalist comments on here. Anyone who thinks it's ok to have children right now is completely out of touch with reality. Breeding is the epitome of selfishness.
I also see nothing wrong with not having kids! We have had cats, and now, a great dog! He is like a small old man with a kids joy for play, and a personality. That makes us laugh! Also, we never have to give him money, he has always slept with us, and never wets the bed! And gross, but quite helpful, if he barfs, he cleans it up, by eating it again!
The title of the Dr. Blackstone's book is "Childfree by Choice: The Movement Redefining Family and Creating a New Age of Independence" (not "Childless") and working links can be found at her website werenothavingababy (dot) com.
The title of the Dr. Blackstone's book is "Childfree by Choice: The Movement Redefining Family and Creating a New Age of Independence" (not "Childless") and working links can be found here https://werenothavingababy.com/buy-the-book/
Ah.. no children.. free to leave my home when I want ...come home..when I want.. spend my money on Me!..no internal clock here ticking.. children are selfish ..rude..horrible messy little a**holes. no thank you .
You were once children. It is sad that so many parents failed to raise their own children to love and celebrate children. So jaded...
I CAN"T have kids and I don't WANT kids. I still get the "oh you will change your mind one day" and " oh, my friend thought she couldn't have kids and she got pregnant". Just stop! PLEASE!
If anyone asks you why you’re not having kids let them go on for a second about how kids are such a joy and you’re missing out or not doing your duty as a married person or whatever and then pretend to get really upset and say you can’t and any time anyone even mentions it you get really sad. I guess it could be seen as bad but imo if you make them feel shameful enough for even mentioning it it could prevent them from saying it to someone who actually gets upset.
For the person, “Nina” that said, “All my friends that have children think I’m so lucky I don’t have any,” well, maybe you just think they are thinking that. I love my adult children, have never regretted having them, and I don’t envy you.
There will always be stupid intrusive questions. This will be minimal in 30 years with a generational shift. People don’t freak out any more if you say you don’t wanna go too college. 30 years ago that was the cookie cutter expectation. Graduate high school, college, marriage, house, kids. That has changed drastically and people without 3 kids and white picket fences will be praised for being considerate for not eating up the food supply!