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More and more people these days are becoming childfree by choice, in turn celebrating time, freedom, and opportunities they have reserved for themselves. Meanwhile, economists have pointed to the fact that the fertility rate has fallen every year since 2007, as the Great Recession made millennials put off child-rearing for years.

But in order to get a glimpse of what childfree life is really like, you have to look at what people who opt out of having babies have to say about it. So we looked at the corner of Reddit “Childfree,” which is a place for discussion of the childfree lifestyle.

With a whopping 1.4M members, it surely has a lot to say on this matter, so let’s see some arguments on living with no kids right below. Also, after you’re done, be sure to check out part 1 of the post right here.

#1

What Could Be More Important Than Creating Life?

What Could Be More Important Than Creating Life?

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nanashi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would happily donate my womb and breasts for the other girl or trans who needs them or want to have a child. I'm not gonna use them.

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#3

I Love Steve Hofstetter. Walter Is His Dog

I Love Steve Hofstetter. Walter Is His Dog

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Kristof De Smet
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This has nothing to do with having kids or not, everything with education. I always remind my children to be careful in the presence of any kind of animals, never scare them, be respectful.

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To find out what people who choose not to have kids have to say about the childfree lifestyle, Bored Panda reached out to Amy Blackstone, professor of sociology at the University of Maine and the author of “Childlfree by Choice: The Movement Redefining Family & Creating a New Age of Independence.

When asked if such a lifestyle is getting more popular nowadays, which it certainly feels like it, Amy said that it’s certainly more popular “in the sense that more people are aware of it as an option than ever before.”

According to the professor and book author, “That is largely thanks to the willingness of childfree people to speak out about their choice and of course to the decades-long work of reproductive justice advocates. Whether more people than in the past will ultimately remain childfree for their lifetimes remains to be seen.”

#4

Been Waiting 20 Years For A Comeback Like This

Been Waiting 20 Years For A Comeback Like This

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#5

I Can’t Believe This Is Still Even A Thing

I Can’t Believe This Is Still Even A Thing

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Raine Soo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People ask me how many children I have, and when I say "None", they look at me in a funny manner. "Oh, you can't have any?" I reply: "No, I don't want any."

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#6

Pug Slide (Found On Facebook)

Pug Slide (Found On Facebook)

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Raine Soo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The pugs look so happy! And, that looks like so much fun.

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“Certainly more millennials are currently childfree than were previous generations at their age, but there hasn't been a dramatic increase in lifetime childlessness,” she said and added that only “time will tell whether today's millennials are opting out of parenthood altogether or simply delaying it.”

There's a common misconception that parenthood defines us unlike anything else. Amy said that there are “good reasons that this misconception is so common. Almost from the moment we are born, we are taught that becoming a parent is one of the most important milestones of adulthood. For this reason, it makes sense that folks might think that parenthood is the be all, end all experience.”

#7

Since They're Trying To Ban Abortion...

Since They're Trying To Ban Abortion...

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Random Anon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess according to the pious in the US, the foetus is an important member of society who needs to be protected and cherished. Until they are born. Beyond that point, they're on their own and on their way to contributing into the coffers of the top 1%.

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#8

Child Fees Should Be A Thing And Dogs Should Be Free

Child Fees Should Be A Thing And Dogs Should Be Free

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beavis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depends because I still fall under the category of a child but all I do is sit on a blanket watching tv

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#9

For The Childfree Motorist

For The Childfree Motorist

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However, “we know from all kinds of social science research that having kids is not required for living a complete, happy, and fulfilling life,” the professor explained and recommended everyone looking for the answers to read her illuminating book “Childfree By Choice.

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#10

Just A Nice Quote I Read And Felt Like Sharing

Just A Nice Quote I Read And Felt Like Sharing

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Sum Guy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They lied to us... I'm a 30 something year old with no kids and it is not the dream they sold us

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#11

Letter From An 85 Year Widow: My Childfree Experience And A Few Humble Opinions

Letter From An 85 Year Widow: My Childfree Experience And A Few Humble Opinions

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James016
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My great aunt never had children. From what I remember it was because her and her husband didn't want to. No shame in that.

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#12

I Swear

I Swear

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It’s hard to say whether opting not to have kids will stay popular with future generations. According to Amy, “it depends on what we mean by 'popular' but if what you're referring to is whether the idea that having—or not having—children is a choice, I'd say that yes, our awareness of that reality will continue to grow.”

It’s just that more and more people are speaking out about their choice not to have kids. “And thanks to their bravery in speaking out, we now know that parenthood is simply one of many paths available to us,” she concluded.

#13

Think I Pissed Off My Obgyn

Think I Pissed Off My Obgyn

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Demi Zwaan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's ridiculous how women are denied agency over THEIR OWN DAMNED BODY and men can just do whatever they want. I mean, men can even walk away from their wife and child, not file for (joint) custody, and most people are like 'ah, divorce, too bad'. When a woman walks away from her husband and child and doesn't want custody, all hell breaks lose and she's painted like an evil villain.

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#14

I Wish More People Realized Just How Much A Bad Parent Can Mess Up Their Children

I Wish More People Realized Just How Much A Bad Parent Can Mess Up Their Children

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#15

Welp. There It Is

Welp. There It Is

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Raine Soo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A married friend of mine has a daughter. She wishes she could have more children, but her body told her: nope, that's it. Her worry is for me. "Have children before it's too late," is her advice. Nah, I'm good.

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#17

Imagine That. Maybe One Day

Imagine That. Maybe One Day

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Sum Guy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's actually a good point. I think more people are checking if they made a big mistake more than they want to know if they are actually pregnant

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#19

Saw This Meme And Thought You Guys Would Enjoy It, Too

Saw This Meme And Thought You Guys Would Enjoy It, Too

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#20

Actress Jameela Jamil Celebrates Her Successful Cf Life, Shrugs Off Haters

Actress Jameela Jamil Celebrates Her Successful Cf Life, Shrugs Off Haters

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Wonder Woman 848
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

CowboyHank, we understand and value your opinions. BUT! Abortion isn't murder. If it was, you could sue for it. If you believe abortion = bad, don't have one! simple as that! What you don't do is ruin a completely good post with your pro life bullshit. It's the same with others, don't ruin a good post with your pro- abortion bullshit. I am done with my angry Bored Panda rant!

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#22

I Think Someone Working In This Store Is Childfree

I Think Someone Working In This Store Is Childfree

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Random Anon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This needs to be shown in schools on the topic of financial planning.

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#23

GF Wanted A Dog, I Didn’t. What Happens? We Got A Dog. Then GF Wants Kids, I Don’t

GF Wanted A Dog, I Didn’t. What Happens? We Got A Dog. Then GF Wants Kids, I Don’t

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Demi Zwaan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

GREAT CHOICE! I'm happy to see a man who doesn't fall for the babytrap. Also happy he kept the dog, he's obviously the better choice.

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#24

Don't Do That

Don't Do That

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#27

"Without Kids, Your Christmas Must Have Been So Boring"- My Sil

"Without Kids, Your Christmas Must Have Been So Boring"- My Sil

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Lorelai Dewrell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this isnt my Christmas with my significant other I dont want it

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#28

Truth Hurts

Truth Hurts

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Raine Soo
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have heard people say that having children keeps you young. I usually reply: Have you looked in the mirror recently? Yeah, I'm evil.

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#29

When Being Child Free Gets You Extra 40 Hours/Week Of Work

When Being Child Free Gets You Extra 40 Hours/Week Of Work

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Demi Zwaan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't get the 'you're salaried, so no compensation'. I'm salaried too (almost everyone is here), for 32 hours a week. If I need to work more than 32 hours, I get compensated for those extra hours. I mean, in what world does being salaried mean 'you are compensated for 40-168 hours a week'??

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#30

Wise Words

Wise Words

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Raine Soo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mother raised us kids to think like her, to be like her, to basically obey her every command. My siblings were a bit more amenable to her demands. I was not. No wonder we were at constant loggerheads.

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#31

Is Anyone Else Thrilled To Not Have Kids Whenever They See/Hear One?

Is Anyone Else Thrilled To Not Have Kids Whenever They See/Hear One?

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#32

Wife Of 7 Years Left Because I Didn't Want Kids

Wife Of 7 Years Left Because I Didn't Want Kids

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ADHORTATOR
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He is definetly not the bad guy, his point of view was clear all the time

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#33

I Think We Can All Agree On This Post I Saw Today

I Think We Can All Agree On This Post I Saw Today

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Something
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Plants can be harder to care for than pets though. They're strange creatures with strange needs.

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#34

I Got Pregnant After My Tubal Ligation And Doctors Are Treating It Like A Happy Miracle As I Sit Here Horrified

I Got Pregnant After My Tubal Ligation And Doctors Are Treating It Like A Happy Miracle As I Sit Here Horrified

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Raine Soo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's inappropriate for medical professionals to congratulate you on being pregnant when they knew you had a tubal ligation for the express purpose of not having any children. I hope that you received the help you needed.

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#35

My Friend Sent This To Me [humor]

My Friend Sent This To Me [humor]

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Raine Soo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was told: All you need is to meet the right man. Well, the right man will not want children either.

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#37

Everyone: 'Have A Baby!' Me:

Everyone: 'Have A Baby!' Me:

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#38

This. Is. Imporant

This. Is. Imporant

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Sarah Grape
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yes! a lot of cultures (like mine) are under the impression that getting married when you're 18 is normal....and for some reason, a 20 year old getting divorced is also considered quite normal

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#39

They Got Me - Had To Slow Down For This One

They Got Me - Had To Slow Down For This One

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A U T O P H O B I A
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, but hear me out. I hit that kid because he hit my dog he had it coming. /s

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#40

I Have A Lot Of Reasons For Not Wanting Kids, And The World Being On Fire Is Definitely Among Them

I Have A Lot Of Reasons For Not Wanting Kids, And The World Being On Fire Is Definitely Among Them

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Sum Guy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pretty sure there will be an article soon with the headline "Millennials killing the Paediatrician business by not having children"

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#41

I Will Never Ever Ever Get Tired Of Silence

I Will Never Ever Ever Get Tired Of Silence

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#42

I'm Going To Print Out A Stack Of These And Hand Them Out To People Who Bingo Me

I'm Going To Print Out A Stack Of These And Hand Them Out To People Who Bingo Me

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Elisabet Larsen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am pushing 43. Have known my husband for almost 20 years. Never had kids because we dont want to. People still tell me I might change my mind and it is not too late. You cant win. Our families and closest friends have always supported our decision though.

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#44

"What Could Be Better Than Having Kids Then?"

"What Could Be Better Than Having Kids Then?"

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#45

"Being A Young Woman Without Kids Is A Privilege." No, It's An Active Decision

"Being A Young Woman Without Kids Is A Privilege." No, It's An Active Decision

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#46

Posted By A Friend With A Few Kids On Facebook

Posted By A Friend With A Few Kids On Facebook

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#48

I'm 53. My Wife Is 60. We've Always Been Staunchly Childfree. Can I Tell You... It Only Gets Better

I'm 53. My Wife Is 60. We've Always Been Staunchly Childfree. Can I Tell You... It Only Gets Better

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#50

Great View From Here

Great View From Here

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Note: this post originally had 74 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.