ADVERTISEMENT

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.

#1

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

TheRachelFisher Report

Add photo comments
POST
Sleazy Weaver
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This needs to be at the top. I never even realized this before but this is so important.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#3

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

DestryBrod Report

Add photo comments
POST
Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kudos! That is the cutest costume and child I have ever seen.

View more commentsArrow down menu

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.

ADVERTISEMENT
#4

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

DaveVescio Report

Add photo comments
POST
Aria
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tbh I don’t want kids they are loud and messy and I don’t want to procreate please don’t downvote.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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.”

#7

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

CrissRad Report

Add photo comments
POST
Hayley Rodgers
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

sauteslut Report

Add photo comments
POST
wandile dludlu
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#10

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

stupidoldandy Report

Add photo comments
POST
Hayley Rodgers
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

WineWeedWife Report

Add photo comments
POST
nanashi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

wandile dludlu
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every time someone asks me why I don't have a kid yet... I show them videos and pictures of me go karting and playing paintball. Sometimes I just show them my secondary fridge full of alcohol

Clever Dog
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I often hear "who will look after you when you get old" because I don have kids, I just say I will with all the money I didnt spend on day care. By then Ill probably have a robot do it! lol

Imitating
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My younger sister always says this about me to our mom. As if she made the wiser life decision by procreating. Kids shouldn't be your retirement plan, what if they tragically die?

Load More Replies...
Id row
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yet some women think their uterus is a clown car. I've never understood why people keep having them, especially if they're struggling financially.

Aroha
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why the only place to have kids would be the Nordic countries. Subsidised day care, free school, health care, dental (incl. braces), university, and the government literally gives you money every month till the child is 17. And I am still not having kids :D!

Peko
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The government in my country put a maximum fee on daycare at about $150 a year, it's lower if you make less money and the cost (/child) decreases the more children you have enrolled.

CincyReds
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And you know what is funny, once you don't have that daycare bill anymore, you wonder how in the hell you did it!

Bunny Wood
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Peanuts. You should see thebill for my daughters school, after school and holiday care and dental needs. More fool me right?

Lili
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you have to spend that much on daycare, it's your goverment's problem. Raising a child is not that expensive in other countries, as most costs are subsidized (Europe and Asia, according to my experience), although the US still has higher birth rate. Wondering why.

Z Alexi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Childcare"~~they don't take care of "days."  GOP in U.S. won't pay higher taxes [they like potholes & closed libraries]...white males who're overpaid say screw every1 else who can't afford nannies or the latest PCs & iPhones. Socialism is much more honorable; capitalism doesn't work, admit it: 18.6M millionaires [Bezos & Gates' worth: 285B]; 38.5M lived below poverty line in 2018 [$25,465 for family of 4: 2 adults, 2 kids]...1 outta 8 Americans are poor yet GOP greedheads don't care, just grab more & vote for tax-cutters like U.S.' Halfwit Tweeter Twit.

Load More Replies...
Amy Stone-Chandler
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your getting ripped on daycare. I charged 100.00($125.59 today's value) a week(kids still in diapers) and parent supplied food, diapers/wipes etc for them. OK yes that was about 12 years ago, but still. That's BRUTAL. I live in Southern Ontario Canada. I'm shocked..wherever this is. I don't understand why people pay so much money for daycare when it's worthwhile to stay home

Z Alexi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Childcare"~~they don't take care of "days."  'Wine' & 'weed' come before 'wife'?  Sounds like grounds for divorce.

Daniele Ribolla
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

so children are matter of money, huh? so sad. so has to be better you've been childless, also hoping now you're self questioning about "pull back method" and make better choices...

Mewton’s Third Paw
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Abortions still exist, pull out methoders. Daycare would be the absolute last resort if somehow an abortion failed.

Liam Walsh
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is also the excellent 'morning after pill' (which I know is still not 100%). I'd not personally recommend the pull out method. That has successfully ensured large families all over Ireland for many, many years. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Load More Replies...
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

HenpeckedHal Report

Add photo comments
POST
CB KittyValet
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and all the people in the restaurant also trying to have a nice meal.....

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#18

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

slackmistress Report

Add photo comments
POST
MrsPossum
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes!! I never understand this. I once literally had a woman tell me I needed to have kids as soon as possible, then she spent the next ten minutes moaning about her kids and how she wished she'd never had them?! I thought that was pretty....weird.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

ElizaBayne Report

Add photo comments
POST
Julie C Rose
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a childless/free/whatever woman who used to work 60-hour weeks until the pandemic hit, I’m gonna vote no.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

NatashaMLee Report

Add photo comments
POST
me
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I consider my friends as my family, and I certainly don't plan on having children with them.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#24

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

enterrob Report

Add photo comments
POST
Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was always what I said when I handed back my nieces and nephews to their parents.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

EmiBarry Report

Add photo comments
POST
MrsPossum
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oooh yes, I get this a lot. Tattoos, no kids... It feels like it's open season on my life sometimes 😬

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

LizHackett Report

Add photo comments
POST
Sleazy Weaver
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

leenewtonsays Report

Add photo comments
POST
Candice Ravel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

mdob11 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Luther von Wolfen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ha! My ex-wife did this at a gathering of my family once. No one ever handed her a baby again.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

jdelwoo Report

Add photo comments
POST
nanashi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

if they're under 12mth, or you are telling your doctor of their age, it's acceptable to go by months. over a year old, please just say the years.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

ohnoNOTFEMINISM Report

Add photo comments
POST
Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

The_ME_Ellison Report

Add photo comments
POST
Ozacoter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let’s apply that to commited couples who are not married. A lot of people in our generation doesn’t marry, at least in Europe.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#35

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

AtsukoComedy Report

Add photo comments
POST
nanashi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

nosey coworker; "hey when are you gonna marry and have kids? why not? it's worth it, TRUST ME!". also nosey coworker: "YOU wouldn't know, having kids means you no longer have time for yourself, let alone sleep undisturbed."

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#38

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

WhoresofYore Report

Add photo comments
POST
Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this saying. For years, I've had to put up with: "When are you going to have kids?", "You're not?", "Why not? You'd be a great mom", "What's wrong with you?", "Everyone has children", and "You must be the most selfish person on earth". Nope, I'm just self-aware.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

ZachWeiner Report

Add photo comments
POST
Scott Garibay
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes it's selfish not to create something that you parade around for attention and gifts, and stealing people's free time.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#41

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

gabilynn47 Report

#44

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

KingRainhead Report

Add photo comments
POST
Canadian in Cornwall
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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 !

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#45

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

goldengateblond Report

Add photo comments
POST
wandile dludlu
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Humans are such a bad design... now I understand villains in movies trying to change humans to lizards or something

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#47

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

kbnoswag Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jumilicious
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited content
Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
#51

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

DrRoberty Report

Add photo comments
POST
Gwen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or you can always get a cat. That way you can have company, but they, like you are independent!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#52

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

thenatewolf Report

Add photo comments
POST
Scott Garibay
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wasn't allowed to touch the football in highschool as I had a "fumbling" problem...but sure I'll hold your spawn...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#53

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

tonestradamus Report

Add photo comments
POST
Mewton’s Third Paw
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

25 is too young. People encouraging you to have kids when you’re still basically a kid, only do it because misery loves company.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#58

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

ambamthankyamam Report

Add photo comments
POST
Alexis draskinis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#59

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

MVPJunkie Report

Add photo comments
POST
Mewton’s Third Paw
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#61

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

stephenszczerba Report

Add photo comments
POST
K.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ahahaha. They made way for the rise of pet and plant parents.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#63

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

rad_milk Report

Add photo comments
POST
MrTree1779
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#65

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

ValeeGrrl Report

Add photo comments
POST
Mewton’s Third Paw
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#66

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

Brocklesnitch Report

Add photo comments
POST
#67

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

liljonlovitz Report

Add photo comments
POST
n i k o
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In its teenage years is when it builds a cocoon, right in its bedroom.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#68

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

simoncholland Report

Add photo comments
POST
Neva Nevičica
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#69

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

Brocklesnitch Report

Add photo comments
POST
Sleazy Weaver
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dunno, sounds like a dad joke... Might wanna have your partner take a pregnancy test just in case!

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#72

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

sageboggs Report

Add photo comments
POST
Mewton’s Third Paw
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Don’t try to categorize your extreme dumbness with being child free. We don’t know you, go away.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#78

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

MVPJunkie Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#81

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

brilliantwit Report

Add photo comments
POST
Lorraine R
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#82

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

marriedwtoddler Report

Add photo comments
POST
Alexis draskinis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like brunch! But its mostly because i love breakfast foods, i just really hate the hours in which they are normally eaten! Lol!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#83

Not-Having-Kids-Childfree-Tweets

bimadew Report

Add photo comments
POST