Let's face it, increasingly more people decide to turn down the prospect of parenthood. As a Pew Research Center study has found, around 44% of Americans who are not already parents say they’re unlikely to have children — ever. But even though they consciously choose to forego having kids and feel comfortable with the decision, childfree people often face pressure from those in their social circle who believe they will definitely change their minds.
"You still have time" is up there with some of the most frustrating remarks people who chose a different life path have to hear. Thankfully, there’s a great way to fight stigma in society — see the positivity in their child-free freedom and be proud of their choice. This is something that hundreds of people expressed across various threads on Reddit, and their stories are nothing but honest.
We at Bored Panda have wrapped up a collection of responses where people open up about how this decision affected their lifestyles. Some explain their overwhelming joy and happiness, while others reveal slight doubts and regrets. So sit back, relax, and enjoy reading through their experiences. Be sure to upvote your favorite answers and if you want to weigh in on the topic, we’d love to hear your thoughts right below in the comments!
Psst! If you’re interested in even more childfree content, take a look at our earlier piece where people reveal what made them decide to never have kids.
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I’ve recently started dating again, and the amount of men my age (35) with kids is disheartening. I started talking to one guy, and he mentioned having kids, so I told him we weren’t compatible. He told me I was being negative, asking how I knew we weren’t compatible, etc. Well, cause you have kids and I don’t, I don’t want any. I had another guy tell me he had a 22-month-old. He has not mentioned anywhere in his profile about having kids, and then when I tell him it’s a no for me, he resorts to insults. I’m honestly happy with my life and where I am, and I refuse to settle for anyone who wouldn’t add to my life. I’m complete. If I die alone with my cats, that’s better than settling for a miserable life
I completely understand this. I came to the decision that I don't want to be responsible for bringing a life into the world a long time ago.
When my current manager found out I don’t want kids his response was “well you’re young and still have time to change your mind”. When I told him my husband and I want to retire early he said “but why would you retire early if you don’t have kids? What would you even do..?”
SMH these people are so brainwashed. There’s more to life than going to a job everyday then taking care of kids for the other part.
Lol he should ask people who HAVE kids what they'd do if they didn't have kids and could retire early. I know plenty who could come up with answers right away.
I am 47 and life is great. Was married once (very young) and engaged once, but never had kids. Started my own business a decade ago and that's gone great. It's currently providing me income while I work on a start-up with a partner. I travel a lot (when there's not a pandemic), have tons of hobbies, and have built up a wonderful chosen family for company and support.
I have no regrets and no complaints. I get plenty of sleep and take good care of myself. I volunteer and give back to the community however and whenever I can. I wouldn't have it any other way.
My son decided to get a vasectomy last year. I told him: "Won't you regret it later?"
He replied: "I can always adopt, just like you adopted me."
1. My body already is pretty screwed up, I don't need it MORE screwed up
2. A lot of folks seem to hate their children. Like, A LOT of people seem to hate their children. Or at least mildly resent them. I don't want to do that.
3. I am an 'all in' type of person. A 'anything worth doing is worth over doing' type of person. I'd probably be a great parent because of this--all in for my kids. But it also means I'd be a terrible ME. I'd lose being an individual in the process, and that's not good for me OR any mythical children.
4. I really, really, really like quiet.
No 4. is my main reason. I don't even listen to music in general, any sound Im not focusing on makes my brain feel itchy (I don't know how else to explain it).
Cringe answer but i don’t wanna bring someone into this world and force them to deal with problems just cause I wanted pride of having a child
This. I can imagine worlds I would have wanted to bring a kid into. This isn't one of them.
I overheard my sister-in-law telling my brother-in-law that we should write everything in our will to them because “We need it; they don’t have kids (on both sides). What do they need it for?” They’re trying to get my father-in-law to facilitate the conversation. If they think you’re entitled to my money, don’t be shy. Tell me to my face! The joke is on her because my side of the money is locked up in a prenup. Our will, as it stands now, a nice sum is set aside for education, down payment, etc., for my nieces. Most of it is being distributed to charities. Planned Parenthood is on the list! The audacity and entitlement make my head spin! Just because I don’t have kids doesn’t mean it automatically goes to them.
Love my life. Wouldn’t trade it with anyone. I’m 70 with no children, never married, and no regrets. Several long term relationships (11 yr. & 17 year ... still friends). Loved my never relinquishing my personal freedom. Several things informed my decision:
Watching the relationships of parents and children, where children became a**holes. 2. Watching marriages that were okay go bad or boring 3. Watching people lose themselves in stressful marriages. 4. My inability to take shit and pretend that it’s not happening. 5. Not enjoying the feeling of having to negotiate everything from social events to meal choices. 6. Unwillingness to relinquish personal freedom
honestly she's right, i AM a child, and i know that chlidren my age are assholes
I had an experience that annoyed me apartment hunting last year. The lady showing my boyfriend and I the apartment kept prying why we would need a second bedroom, and saying things like if it’s just the two of us why isn’t a 1 bedroom enough. Even after explaining we both worked from home, she kept trying to push the smaller units. I guess the building has less 2 bedrooms so they like to keep them open for people with kids?
As crazy as it sounds, people without kids also like space.
In the part of the Netherlands where I live, the social housing situation has gotten so bad that me and my SO can't even rent a house with more than 2 rooms because we don't have kids. It's understandable, but infuriating at the same time.
Coming up in a year since my husband and I bought our first house! 4 beds, 2.5 baths. I absolutely love it. We consider ourselves very lucky and grateful. Since then, when the topic comes up in casual conversation, I get the same response from breeders. It doesn’t help we’re the only child-free couple on the street. “Oh, so much space, making room for kids?” “That’s a lot of space for just the two of you.” “What about families with children that needed that home?” I’m sorry, I wanted space for separate offices and a space for visitors. Oh, the reactions I get when I say I turned the den into a cat room. “A whole room just for your cats!?” “Must be nice to live that way” Yes. Yes, it is. It would also be nice to share accomplishments without judgment.
I was getting to know a (female) doctor my partner used to work with. She asked about my dream job and I responded that I don’t dream of labor; my dream is to be financially secure enough that I can retire ASAP.
“Retired? Do you mean at home with babies?”
“…Um no. Retired meaning I have enough savings to not have to work anymore while living comfortably.”
I've literally never heard anybody say, "I don't dream of labor" before, and this hit me hard. I come from a family where it was always "Idle hands make the devil's work," etc. I'm starting to see I'm a little brainwashed.
Glorious!
Vacations are a breeze, particularly if you go to another country. If I find a place, I can just up and move without worrying about if the school is any good, or how big the house is.
I'm 48 never wanted kids, no regrets. The majority of the parents I know are stressed AF! My best friend has 4 adult kids and they all cause her grief. She is on her way to a mental breakdown.
The happiest married couples that I know, besides me and my spouse, is a retired couple no kids. They go on dates several times a week, travel and just love each other so much.
Having kids isn't a guarantee that they will take care of you when you get old. My mother works in a nursing home. Most of them are abandoned by their kids and only visit on Mother's Day for Facebook photos.
I am 38, my wife is 42. Our marriage is fantastic and our jobs are stressful, but lucrative. We worry and stress about normal things just like others, but just not about kids, obviously.
Like any major life decision, there are pangs of regret -seeing my friends enjoy ballgames and major milestones with their children that I know it won't experience with my own, but I know I am also sidestepping the negatives as well.
In the end, my wife and I chose each other and are endlessly happy. Could a child have improved that bliss? Possibly - but we collectively were not 100% all-in and didn't want to risk our happiness together to find out.
I’m a 46 year old auntie to a wonderful little boy and I’m fine with that.
My husband and I didn’t each hit 6 figures until about 4 years ago, so we’re not really swimming in money yet (we live in NYC). I love sleeping in. I love finishing dinner and then playing video games. I love going for long walks. I love peace and quiet. I love all my disposable income. My brother and his wife ask all the time when we’re going to visit so they can just toss my nephew at us for a week so they can go on vacation and you know, that just makes me extra happy I didn’t go that route.
Same here. 46 and no regrets. I wanted kids when I was younger but eventually I got to an age where I didn't want to deal with younger parents at ptas, sporting events etc. I love my free time, freedom to travel, and not having to clean the house every single goddamn day because they make a mess. My ex sister-in-law had great kids but my God the amount of work and time they spent cleaning up after their kids was just exhausting for me . I've been to St. Croix and Iceland so far this year and going to London next month and hopefully Tokyo next year (if they open up). Don't have to worry about paying for an extra ticket, altering my plans because I have a kid Etc
I've never had any desire to be a mother. I don't want to give up my freedom and spare time. I can't afford it. I don't want to grow a human inside my body. I have [bad] mental health problems that I would probably pass on to them.
30 F, besides every other answer already provided here… I am legitimately terrified of the idea of pregnancy and giving birth. Even if I felt the burning desire to mother a child, (which I do not) I could never get past the fact I would have to grow it, and “have” it.
No one seems to be mentioning the world has about 5 billion excess humans on it that are overburdening the planet's ability to restore itself. Don't have kids.
Retiring to me means never working for anyone but myself.
Thanks to the stars aligning with my childfreedom, the real estate boom, and a deep seated drive to be both lazy and selfish I'm about to live my dream - moving across the country, renting out an ADU for passive income, and freelancing when I feel like it.
Of course, there are no guarantees this will last forever, but at 35 it's the closest thing to retirement I've ever experienced. So excited.
Me 46M and wife 46F.
In a word, amazing.
We both work in Finance and our household gross income is about $200k with about $48k/yr in expenses (and half of that is discretionary...bare bones expenses are about $24k/yr)
Debt free except for the house, which will be completely paid off by this time next year.
Pretty much buy whatever we want, when we want it.
Go where ever we want, when we want to.
Our jobs are ultra-stable and we have both been with the company for 10 years and get 1.5 months of paid leave, plus 10 paid holidays per year (almost unheard of in non-union jobs in the US).
We live next door to my wife's parents and they are awesome people that treat me like the son they never had.
About the only thing we really need to fix, is we both put on too much weight during covid and need to get that shit under control this summer...so...salad & hiking summer it is.
Luckily, we live in the paradise of our choosing, Alaska, and there is truly epic hiking up here.
Boyfriend and I are both 45 and life is pretty cool. We met when we were 39 and on our second date I had to ask the dreaded kid question. Thank god his response was a vehement no. It’s crazy to think people don’t ask that question right away and have terrible break ups over it. I figured I didn’t want to waste a minute with him if he wanted kids!
Smart move. When I first met my wife she asked that question early on as well.
Love it.
Can't even imagine having children. I'm not built for it.
Great with other people's kids (in short bursts) but ultimately very glad to be able to walk away from that cacophony of neediness.
I sleep as much as I want (as well as game/work/etc) eat whatever I want go where I want (or more importantly don't go where I don't want).
One of the few decisions that made very young (before I was a teenager for sure) that I've not wavered on and has paid off dividends.
I was told at an old job that I’d be such a great mom because I was so patient and kind to coworkers, especially the new ones who had A LOT of questions. The difference is I can get away from my coworkers, but kids are a different story! My mom said I would be a fantastic mom— IF I wanted to be one, because ultimately, I wouldn’t be if my heart wasn’t in it. My mom gets it, and I appreciate her so much for it.
I love children. I love holding them, I love playing with them and I love talking with them. Very neat group of people. Totally recommend them to anyone who thinks having a child is right for them.
What I do not like is being responsible over another human being 24/7. I also don't like the thought of having to leave work to pick up a sick child from school or nursery school. I don't like potty training, I don't want to be unable to travel without a massive amount of planning, I don't want to fight with a 13 year old over... anything really, 13 year olds do not listen to reason. I don't want to get up at 7 AM on a Sunday to take my child to their football training, I don't want to spend all my money on somebody else's damn shoes that they will have grown out of the week after anyways.
Basically, a child is not compatible with the lifestyle I want.
My twin sister had a bad accident when she was 21. I decided taking care of her was the most important thing I could do. It took her 17 years to recover. 20 years after her recovery we both have great jobs, great people in our life and we love to travel. I have never been happier.
I never wanted to have children.
My relatives and acquaintances would tell me: "When you grow up you will change your mind. Children are a blessing in life," or stuff like that. I always replied that I didn't see myself as a mother. 15 years have gone by and nothing has changed.
I was told this all my life. I was denied by doctors when I asked about surgical sterilization because "I'd change my mind" someday. Well, guess what! 46 years old, perimenopause kickin' in and zero regrets from me or the hubby!
I decided when I was 18 and I agree with it. People will tell me: "Who is going to take care of you when you are old?" followed by this little gem: "You have to start your own family," as if my boyfriend and my dogs don't count.
I hate when people say that (the taking care of you bit), then turn around and say people who don't want kids are the selfish ones. Excuse me? Did you just hear yourself? Selfishness of that statement aside: kids are a blind bag - you don't know what you're getting. You could have kids that grow up to not like you, or have issues that require *you* to take care of *them* all *your* lives!
Almost 40, no kids, never married. I work about 50ish hours a week. Life is good. Money just sits in the bank since I don't have to spend it on children, I have a bunch of free time that I use however I want because I can't ask a significant other how they want to spend time together or have to cater my schedule around sports practice, or academia. I use my vacation days to extend some weekends, travel somewhere nice, stay in a bed and breakfast and enjoy the nightlife the place has to offer.
Utterly delightful. We can do what we want, when we want. Zero debt except the mortgage. 10/10 would do again.
Fantastic. I couldn’t ask for a better life. I wouldn’t trade my current status for the greatest child in the world and I like kids. Me 44 and hubby 38, almost mortgage free. Stress from jobs are there but I feel like it’s nothing compared to my friends with kids.
Jobs will always cause stress, regardless of whether you're childless or not. I'm a bit older, but also almost mortgage free and love my life. Being childless wasn't my choice, but the lifestyle I have because of it is amazing.
45 F, I love it. Also never been married, or never lived with someone (except roommates). I love the freedom to do as I please, spent my money the way I want.
I have read through all of these and truly wish someone had of said ALL of this to me 30 years ago. I love my sons but I truly wish I never had children. My mother used to say to me when I was a teen (youngest of 5 kids) and she was my age now, "if I knew then what I know now, I would never have had you kids!". I get it now. Why the f**k didn't she explain it better!!! My current husband never wanted kids and respects my now adults sons (sort of), his sister didn't want them either. If only I had of met them earlier in life. I wouldn't be struggling. Having kids: destroys your body, mentality, finances. As they grow they are completely dependant on you for years, then turn into teens that hate you and once they finally leave home, you still stress over them all the time!! 1 out of 10 would NOT recommend!
My biggest factors in not wanting kids are SLEEP and SPONTANEITY! When telling my coworker this, she’s like “it’s not as hard as you’d think it is” then, a couple weeks later, she comes in talking about “the baby is sick and can’t sleep” or “the baby was up at 6am today” (we work nights) and she has to plan [things] way in advance, and she can’t handle her car issues because she has no money because of the baby.
Luckily! My sister, my mom, and my close friends who have kids are very honest with me about what their lives are like, and they don’t blame me for not wanting kids! The only people who seem to REALLY want my husband and I to start pumping ‘em out are my coworkers, which is extra weird because like… they would never even see my hypothetical baby ??
It's because they want you to be miserable just like them. Misery loves company and all that. FWIW, I'm 48F, happily married for 25+ years, and contentedly childfree.
When people who have children start talking about them, they suddenly look at you and say: “And when are you going to have children?” And when you answer that you don’t want to have children, they tell you that that’s selfish, and they ask who will take care of you later. They also say you need to have children to have your own family, or that you say that because you are too young.
I don't have issues with people choosing either having or not having kids. What I do find problematic is one side trying to tell the other side that their choice is wrong in a patronising manner. Neither side should have to justify their choices
This. What I don’t like is people with kids looking down on child free people. I did know someone who once she became a mum, got the biggest superiority complex about it be ever. Expected everyone’s world to revolve around her as “I’m a mother”. Her husband divorced her and he got custody of their kids.
Load More Replies...I'm 46 and do not, nor have I ever wanted, to have kids. I do not even find babies cute, I don't have the energy, time or desire for kids. Told my prospective hubby this before we got serious & he agreed, so 17 years later he and I are happy the way we are.
I do love that being child free has become so much more accepted now and it's good that articles like this allow people to discuss their choices, thoughts and feelings. However, the real "victory" will be when we don't feel the need to comment on it.
My husband and I decided not to have kids, and we're content with that choice. When I was young, I spent a lot of time taking care of my half-siblings, because my divorced parents were great at churning out kids but didn't have any interest in looking after them. My Mom signed me up for a Red Cross class that taught me how to do CPR on the little ones if necessary, and then she considered me good to go. I would feed the kids SpaghettiOs and read them stories while she was at the bar. I feel like I had my kids in middle school.
Mine turned out great. I knew at 16 I never wanted kids. I'm now 66 and have zero regrets. I retired at 62 and my husband and I moved to a villa in the gorgeous Monduver mountains an hour south of Valencia Spain. Even after 5 years I feel like I'm living a dream. We live in a paradise and also take frequent trips all over Europe. None of this would have happened if we'd had kids.
I kind of wanted to hear from people who were past childbearing age- say 55 or older, how life had turned out. Not someone at 30 telling me they are happy with their cat. I'm really curious how it looks when you're older and look back. I liked the one from the 70 y/o lady.
We tried. Lost 3 times. Can take it out of you. We are both nearing 60 now and it's just us. We pretend to be happy but know something is missing. Everyone can get mad at me, but I don't care. If you have the means, have children and a family.
I run a daycare. My whole life is kids. A client I've known for 20 years out of the clear blue the other day asked me when I was going to have kids. Excuse me? Who's paying for the extra room I would need to add on? I'm a single lady, the last man I considered settling down with died of aggressive cancer. I have no plans for that. Then she asked who would take care of me when I grew old? I'd take care of me, and imho that's a terrible reason to have children. Then she said I'd be lonely, I told her I would LOVE to be more lonely. LOVE. IT. I sent her a pic that night. My boutique table for two on my porch, a glass of wine, and enjoying the quiet and the stars for several hours. She also likes to frequently point out that since they had kids early, they will be *done* parenting by *insert age.* My oldest sibling is in his early 50s, the youngest is 34. My mom isn't done parenting, neither is my dad.
Such a pathetic reason to have kids, so they can wipe your @ss when you're old
Load More Replies...I’m almost 18 and I know that I never want children. I can be a camp counselor, I can work in a nursery. I can work with children. I never want one. My mental health issues are too problematic (I barely take care of myself some days let alone a child). Also I do not have the patience for being with kids 24/7 365. My mom is still pressuring me to change my mind because she was one of those people who wanted a family. I don’t think I will
Everyone deserves every chance to pursue their best life and I totally believe if a person doesn’t want kids they have no need to justify. I do find that so many of these are money focused. Maybe I’m lucky in that life changed after kiddo but not drastically. I did find a partner who shares everything 50/50. My career hasn’t suffered although, I live in a country where kids are a part of life and society (not the US). I have a startup, pursue hobbies, friends/social life with friends who don’t have kids. I don’t always get to sleep in and I can’t just pick up and go however, that’s equally driven by having a large dog who likes to get up for morning potties at like 5 am.
And? What's wrong with people wanting more money? This world isnt exactly cheap to live in.
Load More Replies...I'm 50 and am thankful every day I chose not to have kids. I wouldn't have my house or money in the bank or any type of security. And why would I want to destroy my body to bring another person into an over-populated world and be treated like an ATM and blamed for everything wrong in their life? And what if I had a disabled child? I know I wouldn't have the ability to put in that level of care. I'm disabled myself and can barely manage my own care. I just don't understand the desire to have kids, especially in today's world.
I want to make sure my mom is taken care of when I'm older. And be a cool aunt to my friends' kids.
I'm almost 42, with no kids and a vasectomy... I even have a "childfree tattoo" and I manage my own childfree Facebook group... I sleep in on weekends, I can jump on my bike and travel where ever I want, whenever I want and my money is for my, my girlfriend and my cat... life is great...
Woo.. “I even have a childfree tattoo and I manage my own childfree Facebook group” Your decision is your decision but being activist about it..
Load More Replies...I am 56 retired last year and can come and go as I please. I do have kids it is just that they are not children forever and mine moved out fully 7 years ago (to university 4 years before that) They took up slightly more time than my own childhood. Be child free or not, your choice (or not) but don't judge others until you've walked a mile in their shoes.
Then this post obviously isn't for or about you
Load More Replies...I am always surprised by the fact that childless people have to explain their choice not to have children, and parents are never asked why they decided to have children? I have the feeling that society holds the view that childless people are inherently evil (selfish, etc.) and that parents have chosen the only right path, but is that really the case? Hey! Nothing is black or white! There are plenty of colors, choose yours and don't care about others! Woman, 34 years old, childless by choice and happy and I still hear the opinion that things will change for me and the CLOCK IS STRICTING!
I agree, people too selfish, shouldn't marry or have kids; those people make everyone a favor: emotionally abandoned kids hurt themselves physically and emotionally, to show their pain and need for their parents, but parents love themselves and their lives way too much, to care their sperm accidents
Sometimes I wonder if the reason why people try to push others to have children, is that they are jealous because their lives are tough. I never wanted children of my own. I decided early that if I was to have children, I would adopt. I finished my studies, got a really good job and then in my early thirties I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. If I can't take care of myself, I definitely can't take care of a child.
Confesso que fui muito egoista, arrogante e desligada socialmente, além de muito, muito covarde. Decidi não ter filhos ainda pré-adolescente. Queria viajar, estudar, cuidar de mim. Mas principalmente tinha terror em ter um filho ou filha com alguma necessidade especial. Não fui feita para esta situação. Mas a vida não é para os fracos. Fiz 5 faculdades, viajei quase o mundo inteiro, na faixa dos 70 ainda sou saudável, física e mentalmente. Mas estou sozinha.
I have a kid because I had the drive to be a mom starting when I was a teen (though I waited until I was happily married at 24 to have one), but I don’t think anyone is “bad” for not having that desire. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, I miss being kid free some days. But for me being a mom makes me much happier. And for others, not having kids makes them much happier. Doesn’t affect me at all. Probably helps that I have an uncle who is kid free and happily being so. He also didn’t marry until he was around 50. So I had a great role model in him if that was the life I wanted. (And as far as I know, my grandparents never bothered him about it.)
I'm never having kids because, even though I'm aware of it, I'm more like my father than I'm comfortable with. And because mental helth issues and addiction issues, as well as alcoholism runs throughout my extended family.
Misery loves company. The breeders want you down in the dirty diapers with them. 61F retired at 51 after 33 years with the same company. And now, I get to caretake my 91 parents with my dad absolutely hating me for trying to keep his body safe. You know, use your cane, drink water, the basement stairs are dangerous, it's too hot outside.... Kids? No. Never. And I won't babysit yours.
Nope no kids never wanted them and people who say who will look after you later 80% wont and are ungrateful kittle shits or decide to kill you in you sleep cause they wanted they money you killed yourself to earn
It seems like Bored Panda has run this type of story several times now as if they're trying to convince themselves or others. It come across as an effort to shame or minimize people who chose to have children. Weird.
Do you have the same energy for the millions of posts about kids and their parents and the endless cartoons about the realities of parenthood and on and on? Yeah didn't think so.
Load More Replies...I'm way too much of a lone wolf who needs solitude, peace and quiet. My last relationship ultimately had to end because she caught Baby Fever.
That’s BP now… A bunch of redactors who browse Reddit or TikTok, find something - anything - remotely interesting to them and then create pictures from the discussion. Add a little bit of context, an interview of a pseudo expert, loooong digressions and you got the recipe. Half of the posts are AITA, half are from an obscure influencer. Where are the good articles full of beautiful picture?!
I enjoy most of Bored panda articles, I think it's great they can find good stuff and interesting topics on the internet. If you don't like it don't read it..
Load More Replies...And so have the endless amounts of articles about parents and kids. Get over it.
Load More Replies...Seriously I feel like half of the content and comments on BP are from/for people who somehow have to justify their choice of not having kids. Sometimes it feels so pushy that I start wondering whether those people actually do it to convince themselves somehow that they really made a good choice… because otherwise who cares! why are you talking about it so much?!. Not to mention many comments simply hating on kids like they’re some horrible sub species…
Save the energy for the one million posts about parenthood, and stop protecting your insecurities on us. Bye!!
Load More Replies...Every week a post about the joys of not having kids... See you next week on the same topic, guys!
It's great! Less parent propaganda, more childfree content so people know they have a choice
Load More Replies...This again? Play with kiddo is a big fun too.. Yes they are expensive and need constant care.. But watch they learn to be a better human is also an expensive experience..
That's your *opinion*. Please don't come on one of the VERY FEW areas trying to support child free folks to say something that dang near everyone has told us in our lives! We know your opinion. We do not share it.
Load More Replies...Sounds lovely. Why don't you go tell that to ALL of the old people in those homes whose kids left them there never to come back, except maybe once or twice, because they too fell into the parenthood trap? Go do that instead of whinging about stranger's life choices, just because you didn't have the b4lls to reject the standard and therefore are miserable, very obviously Pathetic comment.
Load More Replies...I don't have issues with people choosing either having or not having kids. What I do find problematic is one side trying to tell the other side that their choice is wrong in a patronising manner. Neither side should have to justify their choices
This. What I don’t like is people with kids looking down on child free people. I did know someone who once she became a mum, got the biggest superiority complex about it be ever. Expected everyone’s world to revolve around her as “I’m a mother”. Her husband divorced her and he got custody of their kids.
Load More Replies...I'm 46 and do not, nor have I ever wanted, to have kids. I do not even find babies cute, I don't have the energy, time or desire for kids. Told my prospective hubby this before we got serious & he agreed, so 17 years later he and I are happy the way we are.
I do love that being child free has become so much more accepted now and it's good that articles like this allow people to discuss their choices, thoughts and feelings. However, the real "victory" will be when we don't feel the need to comment on it.
My husband and I decided not to have kids, and we're content with that choice. When I was young, I spent a lot of time taking care of my half-siblings, because my divorced parents were great at churning out kids but didn't have any interest in looking after them. My Mom signed me up for a Red Cross class that taught me how to do CPR on the little ones if necessary, and then she considered me good to go. I would feed the kids SpaghettiOs and read them stories while she was at the bar. I feel like I had my kids in middle school.
Mine turned out great. I knew at 16 I never wanted kids. I'm now 66 and have zero regrets. I retired at 62 and my husband and I moved to a villa in the gorgeous Monduver mountains an hour south of Valencia Spain. Even after 5 years I feel like I'm living a dream. We live in a paradise and also take frequent trips all over Europe. None of this would have happened if we'd had kids.
I kind of wanted to hear from people who were past childbearing age- say 55 or older, how life had turned out. Not someone at 30 telling me they are happy with their cat. I'm really curious how it looks when you're older and look back. I liked the one from the 70 y/o lady.
We tried. Lost 3 times. Can take it out of you. We are both nearing 60 now and it's just us. We pretend to be happy but know something is missing. Everyone can get mad at me, but I don't care. If you have the means, have children and a family.
I run a daycare. My whole life is kids. A client I've known for 20 years out of the clear blue the other day asked me when I was going to have kids. Excuse me? Who's paying for the extra room I would need to add on? I'm a single lady, the last man I considered settling down with died of aggressive cancer. I have no plans for that. Then she asked who would take care of me when I grew old? I'd take care of me, and imho that's a terrible reason to have children. Then she said I'd be lonely, I told her I would LOVE to be more lonely. LOVE. IT. I sent her a pic that night. My boutique table for two on my porch, a glass of wine, and enjoying the quiet and the stars for several hours. She also likes to frequently point out that since they had kids early, they will be *done* parenting by *insert age.* My oldest sibling is in his early 50s, the youngest is 34. My mom isn't done parenting, neither is my dad.
Such a pathetic reason to have kids, so they can wipe your @ss when you're old
Load More Replies...I’m almost 18 and I know that I never want children. I can be a camp counselor, I can work in a nursery. I can work with children. I never want one. My mental health issues are too problematic (I barely take care of myself some days let alone a child). Also I do not have the patience for being with kids 24/7 365. My mom is still pressuring me to change my mind because she was one of those people who wanted a family. I don’t think I will
Everyone deserves every chance to pursue their best life and I totally believe if a person doesn’t want kids they have no need to justify. I do find that so many of these are money focused. Maybe I’m lucky in that life changed after kiddo but not drastically. I did find a partner who shares everything 50/50. My career hasn’t suffered although, I live in a country where kids are a part of life and society (not the US). I have a startup, pursue hobbies, friends/social life with friends who don’t have kids. I don’t always get to sleep in and I can’t just pick up and go however, that’s equally driven by having a large dog who likes to get up for morning potties at like 5 am.
And? What's wrong with people wanting more money? This world isnt exactly cheap to live in.
Load More Replies...I'm 50 and am thankful every day I chose not to have kids. I wouldn't have my house or money in the bank or any type of security. And why would I want to destroy my body to bring another person into an over-populated world and be treated like an ATM and blamed for everything wrong in their life? And what if I had a disabled child? I know I wouldn't have the ability to put in that level of care. I'm disabled myself and can barely manage my own care. I just don't understand the desire to have kids, especially in today's world.
I want to make sure my mom is taken care of when I'm older. And be a cool aunt to my friends' kids.
I'm almost 42, with no kids and a vasectomy... I even have a "childfree tattoo" and I manage my own childfree Facebook group... I sleep in on weekends, I can jump on my bike and travel where ever I want, whenever I want and my money is for my, my girlfriend and my cat... life is great...
Woo.. “I even have a childfree tattoo and I manage my own childfree Facebook group” Your decision is your decision but being activist about it..
Load More Replies...I am 56 retired last year and can come and go as I please. I do have kids it is just that they are not children forever and mine moved out fully 7 years ago (to university 4 years before that) They took up slightly more time than my own childhood. Be child free or not, your choice (or not) but don't judge others until you've walked a mile in their shoes.
Then this post obviously isn't for or about you
Load More Replies...I am always surprised by the fact that childless people have to explain their choice not to have children, and parents are never asked why they decided to have children? I have the feeling that society holds the view that childless people are inherently evil (selfish, etc.) and that parents have chosen the only right path, but is that really the case? Hey! Nothing is black or white! There are plenty of colors, choose yours and don't care about others! Woman, 34 years old, childless by choice and happy and I still hear the opinion that things will change for me and the CLOCK IS STRICTING!
I agree, people too selfish, shouldn't marry or have kids; those people make everyone a favor: emotionally abandoned kids hurt themselves physically and emotionally, to show their pain and need for their parents, but parents love themselves and their lives way too much, to care their sperm accidents
Sometimes I wonder if the reason why people try to push others to have children, is that they are jealous because their lives are tough. I never wanted children of my own. I decided early that if I was to have children, I would adopt. I finished my studies, got a really good job and then in my early thirties I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. If I can't take care of myself, I definitely can't take care of a child.
Confesso que fui muito egoista, arrogante e desligada socialmente, além de muito, muito covarde. Decidi não ter filhos ainda pré-adolescente. Queria viajar, estudar, cuidar de mim. Mas principalmente tinha terror em ter um filho ou filha com alguma necessidade especial. Não fui feita para esta situação. Mas a vida não é para os fracos. Fiz 5 faculdades, viajei quase o mundo inteiro, na faixa dos 70 ainda sou saudável, física e mentalmente. Mas estou sozinha.
I have a kid because I had the drive to be a mom starting when I was a teen (though I waited until I was happily married at 24 to have one), but I don’t think anyone is “bad” for not having that desire. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, I miss being kid free some days. But for me being a mom makes me much happier. And for others, not having kids makes them much happier. Doesn’t affect me at all. Probably helps that I have an uncle who is kid free and happily being so. He also didn’t marry until he was around 50. So I had a great role model in him if that was the life I wanted. (And as far as I know, my grandparents never bothered him about it.)
I'm never having kids because, even though I'm aware of it, I'm more like my father than I'm comfortable with. And because mental helth issues and addiction issues, as well as alcoholism runs throughout my extended family.
Misery loves company. The breeders want you down in the dirty diapers with them. 61F retired at 51 after 33 years with the same company. And now, I get to caretake my 91 parents with my dad absolutely hating me for trying to keep his body safe. You know, use your cane, drink water, the basement stairs are dangerous, it's too hot outside.... Kids? No. Never. And I won't babysit yours.
Nope no kids never wanted them and people who say who will look after you later 80% wont and are ungrateful kittle shits or decide to kill you in you sleep cause they wanted they money you killed yourself to earn
It seems like Bored Panda has run this type of story several times now as if they're trying to convince themselves or others. It come across as an effort to shame or minimize people who chose to have children. Weird.
Do you have the same energy for the millions of posts about kids and their parents and the endless cartoons about the realities of parenthood and on and on? Yeah didn't think so.
Load More Replies...I'm way too much of a lone wolf who needs solitude, peace and quiet. My last relationship ultimately had to end because she caught Baby Fever.
That’s BP now… A bunch of redactors who browse Reddit or TikTok, find something - anything - remotely interesting to them and then create pictures from the discussion. Add a little bit of context, an interview of a pseudo expert, loooong digressions and you got the recipe. Half of the posts are AITA, half are from an obscure influencer. Where are the good articles full of beautiful picture?!
I enjoy most of Bored panda articles, I think it's great they can find good stuff and interesting topics on the internet. If you don't like it don't read it..
Load More Replies...And so have the endless amounts of articles about parents and kids. Get over it.
Load More Replies...Seriously I feel like half of the content and comments on BP are from/for people who somehow have to justify their choice of not having kids. Sometimes it feels so pushy that I start wondering whether those people actually do it to convince themselves somehow that they really made a good choice… because otherwise who cares! why are you talking about it so much?!. Not to mention many comments simply hating on kids like they’re some horrible sub species…
Save the energy for the one million posts about parenthood, and stop protecting your insecurities on us. Bye!!
Load More Replies...Every week a post about the joys of not having kids... See you next week on the same topic, guys!
It's great! Less parent propaganda, more childfree content so people know they have a choice
Load More Replies...This again? Play with kiddo is a big fun too.. Yes they are expensive and need constant care.. But watch they learn to be a better human is also an expensive experience..
That's your *opinion*. Please don't come on one of the VERY FEW areas trying to support child free folks to say something that dang near everyone has told us in our lives! We know your opinion. We do not share it.
Load More Replies...Sounds lovely. Why don't you go tell that to ALL of the old people in those homes whose kids left them there never to come back, except maybe once or twice, because they too fell into the parenthood trap? Go do that instead of whinging about stranger's life choices, just because you didn't have the b4lls to reject the standard and therefore are miserable, very obviously Pathetic comment.
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