Children or No Children

[lrharting]

What's you're decision?  Personally I've opted out because of a lot of circumstances in my life.  Plus, I knew from a young age that I did not want to be a 'mommy'.  To those who have decided to opt out what has been your experience?  To parents how did you arrive at your decision?

[nhendrickson]

No children here by choice also.  I think family and friends have always been a bit taken aback when I just say "no thanks" when they ask "Wouldn't you like to babysit?"for free no less, thinking I must have some unfulfilled maternal urges lol.  No, you had them so you get to take care of them.  I don't have the patience for children and I'm very career and fun oriented so I think it was for the best.  I know that I'd have a lot less disposable income and time to spend on things I enjoy.

[articx]

No children for me. I do not want to make my life more difficult.

[dauna]

No children here either.  I'd rather be the aunt; I get to fill them up with soda and chocolate and give them back!

[rghvac69]

 I don't think it is wise to bring a child into this world right now. The future is looking bleak.

[lrharting]

Glad to see there are some fellow 'childfree' people here.  I love my niece, but I don't think I could do it full time.  She is just now getting to be fun for me, but when she was a baby I wasn't really sure what to 'do' with her.  I agree that this world is not the best place for children anymore either.  I think a lot of it has to do with how society is arranged now.  Kids grow up and leave their parents and make homes of their own sometimes not even in the same state.  I think the phrase 'it takes a village' is very true.  I have 4 cats, they are my children and babies and that is enough maternal-ness for me.

Interestingly, people seem to have more of a problem with my choice not to have kids than I do with their decision to have kids.

[southernhorizons]

No children here either.  I'd rather be the aunt; I get to fill them up with soda and chocolate and give them back!

Now that's mean! LOL

[dreamyxo]

Never had any desire to have kids.

[ghunter]

Most of you who do not have children is really missing a lot, but God did not make everyone to have children, in fact some have them that should not have them, but if you have decieded not to have children for whatever reason you will NEVER know the joy of becoming a grand parent or even the happiness a child can bring two people who are in love, but to each person their own,  good luck to you all and blessing.

[ssmsurvey]

I believe the choice to be a parent is huge. Not everyone should feel pressured to further their bloodline. I have 2 children and would not trade being their Mom for the world, however, I have friends who have no desire to be parents and I can applaud that. I think it is selfish to keep bringing children into the world if the mother's view is that it is her obligation to do so or that her 5+ kids are a gift. The world is over-populated and there are so many orphaned and homeless children with no parents to love them.
Enjoy the freedom to choose your path in life, whether it includes kids or not.

[Tam28]

No children unless you count my 2, 4 legged cats. Do to health issues with both of us we are unable to have children. Which I think is a good thing with everything that is going in this world. I like having my babies (cats) & they are just as spoiled as children are.

[loulizlee]

I would never deride anyone who decides not to have children.  In my case, I wanted very much to have children and went through a series of fertility testing and treatment.  After 13 years, I had a wonderful daughter.  Then, history repeated itself.  My daughter wanted a baby very much and took ferfility treatment and pills. After 13 years, she had a wonderful boy.  Some women have another calling to make them feel complete; for others, it is motherhood. 

[nhendrickson]

Most of you who do not have children is really missing a lot, but God did not make everyone to have children, in fact some have them that should not have them, but if you have decieded not to have children for whatever reason you will NEVER know the joy of becoming a grand parent or even the happiness a child can bring two people who are in love, but to each person their own,  good luck to you all and blessing.

Thanks, I'll think about you while I'm having a wonderful time with my boyfriend, enjoying ourselves and not having to worry about kids or grandkids lol.

[lgemini]

I knew I wanted to be a parent, because I wanted to have a family to teach and to love.

[hvnlydevil]

We have three children. I think I was born to be a mommy. I think I would have felt like something was missing if I didn't have any children. I do, however, have quite a few friends who have opted not to for their own reasons.