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Fifty years ago, things were different, people would get married and have children in their twenties, buy a house and seemingly have their life figured out. But times have changed. Today, with an overcrowded planet and a focus on careers, many people in the West choose not to have children or they delay starting a family. More than 1 in 5 US adults don't want kids.

If your phone's photo collection is brimming with images of puppies and cats rather than snapshots of little humans, this post will likely strike a chord with you. The subreddit 'Child-Free Memes' and the Instagram page 'Child Free Memes' are all about the pleasures of a life untouched by diapers and tantrums.

So kick back, grab yourself a cup of coffee, and enjoy our new curated selection from these pages. As Samantha from 'Sex and the City' once said, this place is for double cappuccinos, not for double strollers.

Together, these pages have gathered a community of over 5k members who share a common viewpoint: life's purpose doesn't solely revolve around having children. In the past, waiting to have children was mostly seen among wealthier Americans, especially in big cities on the coasts. Educated women often postponed having babies until their careers were stable, usually in their early thirties. But in the last ten years, as more women from all backgrounds focus on education and work, delaying starting a family has become a common trend among women throughout the United States.

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    Since 2007, the number of women in their twenties having babies has gone down by 28 percent. Most of the decrease is among unmarried women. Only women in their thirties and forties have been having more babies, but even that has gone down in the last three years. Caitlin Myers, an economist at Middlebury College told 'The New York Times': "The story here is about young women, whose births are plummeting". She added that "the birthrate is falling fastest in places with the greatest job growth — where women have more incentive to wait."

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    #4

    ulxma Report

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    Michael Braisher
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well that was the Old Testament from before Christianity and Jesus began with the New Testament. So you could say having a Son chilled God out and put him on a whole fresh way of doing things!

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    #5

    Shocker, But It Has To Be Said

    Shocker, But It Has To Be Said

    SpaceMyopia Report

    Those who advocate against having babies even have a name for themselves: anti-natalists. Not only do they encourage families without children but also the gradual fading away of people. While it started long ago in ancient Greece, social media has recently made this idea much more popular. Even though there aren't many anti-natalists, some of their ideas, especially about the planet, are starting to become more popular. According to the BBC, "Among them are concerns about genetic inheritance, not wanting children to suffer, the concept of consent, and worries about overpopulation and the environment."

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    #8

    childfreememes Report

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    The Doom Song
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    More people need to respect our decision to not have kids. Also mine are in all colours

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    #9

    Italy vs. The Wiggles

    Italy vs. The Wiggles

    reddit.com Report

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    Lakota Wolf
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don’t we, you know, pity animals whose entire life is finding food and producing offspring? And don’t we spay them when we adopt them? And when we spay them, don’t we say, “this is wonderful, now she can relax and enjoy HER life, and play with toys and bask in the sun, and NOT have to spend her entire existence producing babies!” So why don’t we afford ourselves the same grace of opinion?

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    Although anti-natalist groups may use pessimistic language, they don't appear to pose a violent risk. When discussing extinction, it's more of a discussion than an actual danger. Most people online don't talk about hurting anyone.

    #10

    Democracy

    Democracy

    reddit.com Report

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    However, there's a catch. In less developed countries, large families with numerous children are often the norm. From cultural values to social fairness, there are various reasons why poor families might have many children, and these factors also lead to high birth rates in less wealthy countries. From cultural values to social fairness, let's look at some main reasons.

    #14

    They Are Irritating

    They Are Irritating

    reddit.com Report

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    Ivo H
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be honest, adults without manners are far worse than any of these

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    In places where children are regarded as blessings according to religious beliefs, having a bigger family is seen as a greater blessing. In many parts of the Global South, couples without children may experience social stigma. Impoverished families, particularly those relying on farming, may have more children to assist with their way of life, including taking care of older family members and younger siblings as they grow up.

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    #17

    So Good

    So Good

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    Lakota Wolf
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aren’t animals God’s children as well? Why are human children > animals in God’s eyes?

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    #18

    Turn Abouts Fair Play

    Turn Abouts Fair Play

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    Spanish Cat
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When my family didn't really want a cat (we lived in a rented home, so it would be hard transporting it) a flea-ridden, but cute street cat entered our home. We sterilized him, de-flea'd him and he just stayed in our home.

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    In the end, people's perspectives on having children and the size of their families can be quite complicated. It's affected by things like culture, money, and society, all which play a role in shaping how people decide about having children.

    #19

    childfreememes Report

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    Lakota Wolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom: "I wanted your sister to have a sibling." Gee, thanks, Mom. Didn't even actually want another kid because you wanted more children, but because you didn't want your biological daughter to be an only child. (I'm adopted.)

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    #21

    childfreememes Report

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    Lakota Wolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've held babies in my life, and they simultaneously feel WAY too heavy but also incredibly fragile and breakable. I will take holding a cat any day over holding a baby. They squirm less, smell less, and you can pet them without getting arrested.

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    #26

    childfreememes Report

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    Naya Busch
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, no it’s not. For some people like myself, my animals ARE my children.

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    #29

    childfreememes Report

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    Isaac Harvey
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In all fairness, carrying 4 large boxes of pizza with just one arm takes another level of skill.

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    #34

    Oh God

    Oh God

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    Eva Kašu
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nah, that depression is just postponed...and one day will make that childrens lives a living hell.

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    #35

    Witty Title Here =)

    Witty Title Here =)

    Eden_Eats Report

    #36

    That’s Just Volume 1

    That’s Just Volume 1

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    Isaac Harvey
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Food for thought: you're usually not expected to have a reason for having kids, but you usually are expected to have a reason for not having kids.

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    #37

    Accurate

    Accurate

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    Lakota Wolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is me, but the other panels would also be me reacting the same joyously excited way to dogs, lizards, chickens, insects etc. XD

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    #41

    childfreememes Report

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    PurpurLapsa
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's true. I was expected to do chores, help with my siblings (3!) and no privacy at all. They mess up I got punished at least half of time. That's why I had my kid so late in my early 30's. I had freedom for the first time when I left home to study in another town far far away. Don't get me wrong - I love my siblings and there is happy memories as well, but I would never do that to my kid.

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    #45

    Hilarious

    Hilarious

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    sbj
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Know too many people who stupidly thought this would solve their problems

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    #47

    childfreememes Report

    #48

    Just Stop Asking

    Just Stop Asking

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    Lakota Wolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I KNOW you know the problems that I have. You seriously think *I'D* make a good parent to a human child? You criticize my 'mental illnesses' and yet you want me to have KIDS?" -me, circa my 20s to my tia(s)

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    #50

    childfreememes Report

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    UnimportantDog (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    #52

    Ain’t Gonna Be Me!

    Ain’t Gonna Be Me!

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    Isaac Harvey
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Like one of the images implied above- having kids doesn't prevent being depressed, it postpones it.

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    #53

    If I Can't Get An Abortion, I'll Just Remove The Whole Damn Thing Then!

    If I Can't Get An Abortion, I'll Just Remove The Whole Damn Thing Then!

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    Eva Kašu
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, I´m not from Texas, but I did this and you should see faces of my religious ´pro-life´ members of family.

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    #54

    A Purse Full Of Love I Guess

    A Purse Full Of Love I Guess

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    Mimi La Souris
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    a child's drawing (probably indelible) on a chanel bag (not expensive at all)... ok

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    #55

    Marriage? Yes. Kids? Hell No

    Marriage? Yes. Kids? Hell No

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    Naya Busch
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This might be a crazy topic for some, but you can get married and NOT have kids and still be happy.

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    #60

    Children

    Children

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    Ample Aardvark
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That explains my deaf neighbours and their screeching child

    #62

    I Made This! I Wish More People Around Me Were Having Cats Instead Of Human Children!

    I Made This! I Wish More People Around Me Were Having Cats Instead Of Human Children!

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    Lakota Wolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't get me wrong, I still ask "Is it a boy?" and/or "Is it a girl?" when people show me their cat pics. XD

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    #63

    Wife And I Heard It The Other Day

    Wife And I Heard It The Other Day

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    #65

    Such A Hard Decision

    Such A Hard Decision

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    Christina Wang
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ikr its such a hard decision! (Have money, time and freedom for the rest of my life)

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    #66

    memes4yourma Report

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    Noyfb noyfb
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hi Gran. Time to polish your halo and practice your harp. Have a nice eternity. LOL

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    #68

    Mom Is Going To Be A Little Dissapointed

    Mom Is Going To Be A Little Dissapointed

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    #69

    childfreememes Report

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    Lakota Wolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I got Father's Day cards for my boyfriend and "signed" them from our cats and dog. I even got those safe ink pads and got their pawprints stamped onto the cards. I wrote the messages with my non-dominant right hand because a cat's/dog's handwriting would totally suck. XD

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    #70

    childfreememes Report

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    #71

    childfreememes Report

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    René Sauer
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, anybody who tries to "trap" their SO with a baby should get severe punishment... and no child support afterwards, unless the SO wants to.

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    #72

    childfreememes Report

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    Feathered Dinosaur
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The chick is known to look like this at times and still I love her like nothing else. Evolution has clearly muddled our brains so we would take care of our hairless, mushy, screeching offspring

    #73

    Yeeterus

    Yeeterus

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    Lakota Wolf
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tell me your secret! I’m 41 and they still won’t remove mine because I “might change my mind”!

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    #74

    Nails On A Chalkboard Man-

    Nails On A Chalkboard Man-

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    Magazine
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is idiotic. The talk of a 3 yo child is often much more interesting than the talk of many, many adults.

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    #76

    Oh, The Bliss Of Parenthood!

    Oh, The Bliss Of Parenthood!

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    Isaac Harvey
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Serious question: I haven't seen this episode, but why is Marge looking downwards in the second panel?

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    #77

    childfreememes Report

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    #78

    Finally Found A Place To Post This

    Finally Found A Place To Post This

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    Coralinea
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My parents had a very stern talk to me when I was about 14 about what would happen if I had kids. (I guess they meant as a teenager, but they never specified.) If I'm ever asked why I don't have any, I'll just tell them their talk worked too well. I'm 39btw.

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    #80

    childfreememes Report

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    Dani M
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always want to see puppies though.... and kittens, birds, lizzards, horsed, donkeys.... all the cuties

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    #81

    childfreememes Report

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    ShaZam Beaubien
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hated it when the school would force us to buy pictures before the picture was taken. I would ask my oldest "Were you even trying"?

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    #83

    Gotta Find Me Some New Friends Now

    Gotta Find Me Some New Friends Now

    patiolinguist Report

    #86

    “He Looks Like His Father”

    “He Looks Like His Father”

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    #87

    Parenthood

    Parenthood

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    #88

    *tokyo Drift Starts Playing*

    *tokyo Drift Starts Playing*

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