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#2

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World isn't 8 Billion People enough?

Georgiculus , CHUTTERSNAP Report

Final score:

214points

POST

CHRIS DOMRES 1 year ago

That is why adoption fit into my viewpoint.

44points

#3

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World This curse ends with me.

DaveTheRoper , Eric Ward Report

Final score:

198points

POST

Leigh 1 year ago

Amen. I have awful genetics. Addiction, depression learning disability the list is endless. I will not allow a child to go through the trauma I did.

88points

DamnIGottaJustSay , Gregory Pappas Report

Why Are More Couples Choosing Not To Have Kids?

In recent times, the decision to forgo parenthood has been increasingly prevalent among couples, and it reflects a blend of economic concerns, societal shifts, and personal considerations.

The rising cost of living presents a significant problem. The financial challenge begins right from childbirth — in the US, the average new mother with insurance additionally spends around $2,854 on labor, delivery, and post-partum care.

Changes in societal norms also play a part. A notable portion of modern adults now have no interest in having children, indicating a shift in societal attitudes toward childlessness. Additionally, environmental concerns, especially climate change, have begun influencing some couples’ decisions on parenthood, together with health issues and career aspirations.

This shift towards delaying or opting out of parenthood is further highlighted by demographic projections. In Australia, for example, it’s projected that couples without children will soon outnumber those with children and become the most common family type.

As we delve into the insights shared by u/ilovenosycats and the reasons to not have kids that the AskReddit community kindly provided, it becomes apparent that the decision to have children can be particularly complex.

#4

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World Sleep. I love sleep. I get up when I'm being paid to get up but otherwise my great and immediate joy is sleeping until I don't feel like sleeping anymore. I much prefer sleep to children.

Final score:

187points

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Loverboy (He/him they/them) 1 year ago (edited)

I'm not a big sleeper, but i prefer to be doing something I enjoy while not sleeping.

16points

SignificantFunny1523 , Jimmy Dean Report

#5

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World I just dont feel like I want it badly enough, and one should really want to have a child in order to be able to give their 100% as a parent, every child deserves that

Final score:

173points

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Loverboy (He/him they/them) 1 year ago

I like this. If I were to have a kid, I definitely wouldn't be 100% into it, I don't think I'd be able to give them all a good parent should.

19points

#6

I just don't like them. I don't even like being around them.

BasisBright2957 Report

Final score:

163points

POST

R Z 1 year ago

Amen 🍻

22points

Ilovenosycats revealed to Bored Panda the main reason behind her post. “I asked the question because I was curious, of course…” she said. “I was expecting people to tell me that they can't ‘afford’ to have children (I think many people wrote that — it’s a sad reason that needs to be solved by society).

“But there are, of course, many other reasons (good reasons), like health issues that won't allow people to have children. I wanted to learn about those reasons just to see if they reflect my own personal background... But honestly, I also wanted to see how many people would be triggered to give an opposite reaction. People that were hateful at people that can't have/don't want to have children…” the OP explained.

#7

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World 1. The whole process seems incredibly painful and difficult.

2. I'd f**k my kids up. I have a fearful-avoidant attachment style as a result of my toxic parents. I wouldn't be able to properly parent.

3. I'm incredibly inpatient and would change my mind 3 months in, if I even made it through the whole pregnancy.

4. I want freedom. Having kids means being available and responsible. I am not and will not be these things. I wanna live for *me*, live to enjoy life, and I most definitely won't enjoy having kids.

5. The world is overpopulated and f****d. I don't see any point in bringing more people to this world.

I have more reasons but these are my top 5.

mayo_nnais3 , Leo Rivas Report

Final score:

134points

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Flying Bacon 1 year ago

#2 for sure. If you wouldn't raise kids well, PLEASE don't have kids

31points

ComplicationOnRS , Allef Vinicius Report

#8

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World Kids are great if you don’t like money or sleep

Final score:

131points

POST

Margot Moser 1 year ago

Over 50 years ago, my husband and I decided not to have children but, despite being on the pill, we conceived and were not about to abort our son, the first of our 3 children. Although we have been extremely happy as parents, I cannot say with absolute certainty that we would not have been equally happy otherwise. You don't know what you don't know, right? Many of our friends have no children and apparently feel no regrets. There are joys to be found in both lifestyles. Still, my grandmother's (born 1902) words still resonate that it can be awfully lonely in old age NOT to have children and grandchildren in your life. I am now reaping the benefits of a growing family. Circumstances vary widely. We all try to make the best decisions we can based on the information and feelings we have at the time. I think the important thing to remember is that there is more than one way to be happy and fulfilled in life.

43points

#9

I'm old and successfully avoided having kids.

My great-great-grandmother abused and abandoned her son, my great-grandfather, who left England at age 14 and came to America.

My great-grandfather then married, had kids, and abused and abandoned them when they were less than 10 years old.

My grandfather was one of those three, and he married and had many children, which he treated as servants or slaves, or spoiled pets. He abandoned my grandmother and left her with a dozen children.

One of those children was my father, a miserably unhappy and angry man, who abused me and my siblings, self-destructed and died young.

In the four preceding generations of my family, there were zero examples of good parenting, and nearly everyone seemed to bitterly regret having children.

I realized I had a very good chance of perpetuating more abuse and abandonment, and chose to make very certain I would not have children.

Generational abuse is quite common. Too many people overconfidently think they will *never* treat their children the way they were treated.

NoxWild Report

Final score:

129points

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Cynthia Souza 1 year ago

I was sixteen when I realized that if being a mother meant being like my mother (and her mother), then I wanted nothing to do with it.

41points

“I wasn’t aware how controversial that topic is,” the author of the post said. “I tried reading all the answers; some were heartbreaking, some were reflecting what I experienced myself. Some answers were surprisingly aggressive — I think we all connect emotions to that topic.”

The Redditor opened up about her personal experience and told Bored Panda she doesn’t have kids herself. “Having children for me personally was never a consideration for many reasons. As for many people, the economic situation led me to focus on my job. There simply wouldn’t have been time to even think about it.” In addition, u/Ilovenosycats revealed that she has health issues and wouldn’t want genetics to affect her child.

#10

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World I'm a teacher. Why the hell would I spend 8 hours a day with children only to come home to more??

emlsss , CDC Report

Final score:

118points

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Bunny gurl 1 year ago

(S)he’s not wrong tbh

25points

#11

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World I have no interest in being a parent, never really have. To me it's always looked miserable, plus the idea of being pregnant and what it can do to your mind and body is stomach churning. Having kids wouldn't suit my lifestyle or personality type. Plus climate change is happening and will likely continue to get worse. Basically every reason not to resonates with me so I didn't list them all just my top ones.

Connie_Damico , Toa Heftiba Report

Final score:

105points

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Loverboy (He/him they/them) 1 year ago

Having kids just takes a lot, a lot that I don't want to give. And I am terrified of the idea of losing my future wife because of pregnancy, a lot can go wrong and I don't want that.

7points

#12

I just never had a desire for it. I knew when I was seven years old that I didn't want to be a mom, it just filled me with a feeling of dread. Didn't need to articulate why, I just didn't want it.

As an adult, I can point out a few things like my preferred lifestyle doesn't include kids, I wouldn't want to give up my career, and that the very concept of pregnancy and child birth is horrifying to me. I'm glad other women are capable of it, but I absolutely am not.

And I got sterilized right before I turned 30, so I can live my life with one less worry.

I_DRINK_ANARCHY Report

Final score:

99points

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Xenon 1 year ago

Hopefully you didn't need to go to 50+ different doctors to get one to do the procedure.

38points

SeveralFishannotaGuy Report

Is It Natural Not to Have Kids?

The notion of whether it’s natural or not to have children often intertwines with societal expectations and biological inclinations. Some argue the “biological clock” in women, triggering an enhanced awareness of reproduction in their 30s, is a sign of natural selection at work.

However, the modern era presents a different landscape where the decision to have children extends beyond mere biological instincts.

Society often views parenthood as a natural progression post-marriage. Yet, an increasing number of individuals and couples are challenging this narrative by being child-free by choice.

Moreover, the evolving understanding of gender roles and family structures contributes to the broadening perspectives on childlessness. Traditionally seen as the primary caregivers, women now have more avenues to explore identities beyond motherhood. Similarly, men also engage in a wider range of roles within and outside the family.

On a broader spectrum, the concept of what constitutes a “natural” life choice is being re-evaluated. The option not to have children is gaining recognition as a valid and natural decision, aligning with individual autonomy and the diverse pathways to leading a fulfilling life.

#13

I just don’t want them. Nothing about being a parent is interesting or attractive to me.

Final score:

94points

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RagDollLali 1 year ago

"I just don't want them" should be the only thing people need to hear to back off of anyone who wishes to remain childfree

14points

#14

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World Clean house, financial comfort, ability to travel/leave the house whenever we want to.

Dear-Cockroach4589 , Eva Darron Report

Final score:

93points

POST

Loverboy (He/him they/them) 1 year ago

Kids are so restricting, I don't like the idea of losing all my freedom so I can tend to a loud, gross, needy child. Children aren't bad, I just can't imagine that.

15points

#15

It's pure egoism. Objectivly.

**You** want a child

**You** want family

**You** always wanted to see **yourself** in little.

**You** want to fulfill **yourself** a dream **you** always had to reproduce

**You** want to feel good.

**You** want a child that makes **You** happy.

**You** don't want to be alone.

**You** want someone to be there when **youy** come back home.

It's always you you you.....

It's never about the child. If it's not about you, why don't you adopt an already existing child, instead of creating a new one?

The future your child will live in will be now one of the first generations that will live worse than you did. And it will continue this way.

Why do you want people suffering only to feel good for yourself until you die? But they have to keep living in the mess you put them in after you death.

nudelsalat3000 Report

Final score:

84points

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XenoMurph 1 year ago

It's possible some people are like that. I feel entirely the opposite of that. How can a person who doesn't know me tell me what my motivations are?? This is pretty judgemental from someone who is looking at it from the outside.

26points

As u/ilovenosycats shared with Bored Panda, societal expectations often place undue pressure on individuals, especially women, regarding childbearing.

“In our society, there is that attitude — that expectation — that women should have children,” she told Bored Panda. “I think every woman has been in such a situation at one point or another — pressure from family, friends, and then you are exposed to colleagues. Everyone questions you; why no children? What is wrong with you? I personally was even asked about my sexual orientation…”

Be that as it may, the Redditor supports those who decide to have kids. “If people make the choice to have children, I feel happy for them. They have all my support. Where I live, I pay extra taxes so that they have benefits that help them raise their children. I wish that was the case in all other countries because children are our future — no doubt about it.”

#16

I think the correct question is "why would you want to have a kid?"

GolemocO Report

Final score:

82points

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OutspokenHBW 1 year ago

I think a better question is "Why do YOU want me to have kids?"

34points

#17

I would feel guilty bringing another human into this f****d up world.

johnnyblack15 Report

Final score:

80points

POST

Id row 1 year ago

Everyone having a kids should feel guilty. This planet is being destroyed by us. We're adding 80 million people a year to the global population. This is not sustainable, yet they're trying to force people to keep breeding. It's so wrong.

7points

AdorableParasite , Priscilla Du Preez Report

#18

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World There is not a single thing in my life that would improve by having kids. I don't get the urge. I don't get the question. No hate, but the decision to have a child makes no sense to me. Pure insanity.

Final score:

71points

POST

Channon Doughty 1 year ago

I feel ya!

4points

Are There Benefits to Not Having Children?

When thinking about why not to have kids, there’s actually a variety of benefits that often get brushed under the rug.

Financial Freedom: Less financial burden with fewer expenses, enabling more disposable income for travel, investments, or hobbies.
Personal Independence: More freedom in making life choices without considering the impact on a child, leading to a more spontaneous lifestyle, allowing for last-minute plans and fewer daily obligations.
Better Work-Life Balance: More time to balance professional and personal pursuits without the responsibilities of parenthood.
Stronger Relationships: Some couples find that their relationships strengthen without the added stress and responsibilities of parenthood. Clinical psychologist Dr. Ellen Walker from Psychology Today states, “Marital satisfaction rates plummet after the birth of the first child.”
Mental and Physical Health: Lower stress levels and potentially fewer health issues over time due to fewer day-to-day challenges associated with raising a child.
Flexibility to Pursue Passions: More freedom to engage in interests and self-improvement.

These benefits collectively contribute to a life of personal fulfillment and freedom that a child-free choice can offer. Among these advantages, financial freedom stands out, leading to a pretty valid question — just how much money can one save by not having kids?

#19

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World I don't like anything about being a parent.

chewie8291 , Harli Marten Report

Final score:

68points

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RavenTheCat 1 year ago

I wish mav mav would elaborate more. Personally im gay and even I sometimes get slightly curious as to what it'd be like, which is only natural . Doesn't mean i ever want it though

6points

#20

I can barely look after myself let alone a kid

Rude_Act_6276 Report

Final score:

64points

POST

RavenTheCat 1 year ago

I left for work forgetting my wallet, what else could i forget o.o

5points

How Much Money You Save by Not Having Kids?

Having a child definitely comes with a price tag. From the moment they arrive to the day they step out on their own, the costs stack up. Healthcare, schooling, groceries, clothing, and all the everyday essentials can sum up to a hefty amount.

According to a US Department of Agriculture report, it costs an estimated $233,610 to raise a child from birth to age 17. This figure doesn't even include the cost of college education, which can add tens of thousands of dollars to the total. Moreover, these estimates often understate the actual cost as they don't account for inflation or unexpected expenses.

On the flip side, individuals or couples who choose not to have children can redirect these funds toward savings, investments, travel, home ownership, retirement, or other financial goals. The economic freedom gained from not having children can provide a sense of security, allow for more comfortable living, and offer the opportunity to pursue personal and financial aspirations without the constraints of child-related expenses.

#21

1. Kids are expensive, I'd rather travel.
2. Kids are messy, and I spend enough time cleaning as is.
3. Kids are loud, I prefer quiet or music (of my own choosing) that I can actually hear.
4. Kids require more engagement than I have mental capacity for. I can handle a dog, that's about it.
5. Kids produce a lot of smells, and I am sensitive to bad smells.
6. My sleep schedule is already f****d from ADHD (I'm on the 1am-8am schedule) and I don't need kids making it worse.
7. ADHD is a curse and I'm not passing it on. Same goes for my garbage spine.
8. I don't want to have to explain to someone I love how my generation could have failed them so badly in not stopping climate change from making the planet unlivable.
9. Same as 8 but for working conditions and the economy.
10. Pregnancy looks like it sucks, and while I'm a man and wouldn't have to endure it, I don't want to put anyone else through it.

alchmst1259 Report

Final score:

63points

POST

freakingbee (they/them) 1 year ago

ugh the spine thing. my mom feels guilty for my spine problems and i would hate to make a kid feel bad like i have if i pass it on.

8points

thesoundofstyrofoam Report

#22

I have OCD and trauma that would be entirely overwhelmed by a child. Children deserve to be annoying, gross, messy, and to have fun. I would not be able to foster an environment where a small child had the freedom to have fun without feeling bad about themself. Children are annoying but they’re supposed to be. It would be unfair for me to have a child that I know would overstimulate me. You don’t get breaks from being a parent and I just don’t think I’ll ever be ready for that.

I would perhaps like to adopt or foster older children one day. I think I could help someone have a very nice life. I’d also like to give a child the adult guidance I needed and never had.

Overall I think I’m more suited to be a cool uncle. I love kids and feel like they represent the best parts of personhood — love, trust, freedom of self expression without shame. I just don’t think I’d be a good fit for small kids long term. My own desires to nurture another don’t overpower the personal limitations I hold, I believe that would be selfish. On a personal level, I would also be horrified if I had a child with the same disorders that I have. I know the struggles and pains of growing up mentally ill and mistreated, and I never hope to make another person feel that way.

Final score:

60points

POST

Tamra 1 year ago

I really admire this person's self-awareness. No shame in knowing what you do and don't want, what you can or can't handle.

24points

#23

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World Why do I plan not to have children? Well...

*unrolls a list that's miles long*

HagBasket , Daiga Ellaby Report

Final score:

57points

POST

Larry XK 1 year ago

Keep on rolling

2points

#24

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World I don't see the upsides

igna92ts , Nikoline Arns Report

Final score:

57points

POST

Pamela Blue 1 year ago

I love these conversations. They are only relevant to my generation onwards (I'm old.) Up to the 60s, this question never arose, because if you married and had sex, you were going to have children, if you were both fertile. If you didn't like children - tough. But, of course, those were also the days when you didn't have your children underfoot all day. They played outside. Today's American culture of child raising would definitely have made me not want children either, and "the pill" was JUST becoming available as I was almost grown.

11points

Will I Regret Not Having Kids?

The idea of future regret can be a big worry when thinking about whether to have kids. But times are changing, and so are people’s attitudes toward parenthood. Although there isn't a precise study on childless individuals expressing regret, we can still peek into what the available insights tell us.

A Pew Research poll shows a growing number of non-parents leaning toward not having children at all. Nearly half of non-parents aged 18-49 now think it’s unlikely they’ll step into parenthood, a sentiment that’s been growing over the past few years.

Things get interesting when we look at parents who actually regret having kids, which is another hush-hush topic by itself. Data from YouGov reveals a range of feelings among parents: while a massive 83% of British parents say they’ve never felt regret, a small but significant number, about one in twelve parents (8%), admit to feeling regret, with another 6% saying they’ve felt it in the past.

Expanding the view, a 2021 study published in PLOS ONE, with data from the US and Europe, finds that between 8-17% of parents regret having children.

The feeling, whether it comes from having or not having children, is complex and personal. While there’s a chance of regret either way, the growing conversation around this life-altering choice creates a more open, understanding space for people to figure out their own paths.

#25

Some people would say "selfishness" because really, my reason is : I'm not disillusioned and I don't romanticize parenthood, I don't want to make all the sacrifices that comes with being a parent. Little to no free time, insane patience is required, money and much more. I don't want to lose my life for the sake of something else. I'm already burnt out from working all the time at ridiculous schedule, when I come home, I want my day to be over, not for it to be "round two" of my day.

Also, lets not talk about all the bodily sacrifices I'd have to make. Pregnancy wrecks your body, sometime permanently. It's not smooth sailing for everyone. Some people have debilitating nausea. Stretch marks, hips change position permanently after giving birth (not necessarily painful but thats a permanent change you can't go back from). Loosing pregnancy weight when you have baby to to take care off, lack of sleep, baby stress, etc all things that goes against you when trying to lose weight. And even if you manage to drop the weight, you body has change, the belly will have a different shape and no amount of loosing weight can bring you back to how you were before. Some people have permanent bladder issues after having kids : sneeze pee or some level of incontinence. Vaginal tearing during birth. After pregnancy hormones breasts tends to not return to normal and becomes saggy for some people. There's a risk of abdominal muscles stretch. I could go on and on. I'm not going through that for the sake of anyone.

I'm just not that kind of person who think a hug compensate for every other c**p you have to go through. An A on a test doesn't pay the bills, a hug doesn't erase the fact you just screamed at the top of you lungs for the last 10 minutes trying to get me to buy you sometging. I don't have it in me to be a parent. That's all. Normal kids behavior makes me want to toss them out of a moving car. I don't care if it's normal, it's annoying. I don't need an extra dose of annoying in my life. I don't care if "it's different went the kid is yours" I don't care about blood relations, I don't care about countinuing the family name, all those things are not worth years of suffering and sacrifices.

WinterGlory Report

Final score:

57points

POST

Lauren S 1 year ago (edited)

So this story is TMI just as a heads up. So skip if you aren’t interested in a birth complication! When I gave birth to my son he twisted his body as he came out which caused significant tearing. (See? Feel free to stop here). The doc spent far more time (like a solid hour) sewing me up after I gave birth than actually delivering my child. Inside and out. The outside tear is very common; however my body didn’t heal like it was supposed to. So part of the stitching for the tear held and part didn’t resulting in a hole. Like if you zip up a jacket but somehow the bottom and top are zipped but it’s split in the middle. Fun right? So I had to then get an additional surgery to recut it open and restitch it closed again. (Here’s also a good spot to stop because here is much more TMI). Everything is all healed now but I have scars that change my… texture? we’ll call it texture. At least my husband says so. (Made it to the end? Well, aren’t you brave!)

19points

#26

They are smelly, noisy, obnoxious, annoying, and cost way to much to upkeep.

luckybulldog60 Report

Final score:

56points

POST

Larry XK 1 year ago

Here is the funny thing, if you live long enough you will end up smelly, annoying and very costly to keep you alive. Enjoy

9points

#27

Would rather help an existing life be better through adoption than to create another one. As well as not pass down my less than optimal genetics

LoonaticLaskdorp Report

Final score:

54points

POST

Lauren S 1 year ago

I love the idea of adopting and it worries me. I have a son (biological) and I do worry I’ll feel differently if I adopt. I would feel like a hugely awful parent if I felt differently about two of my children because one was blood. And I would be a hugely awful parent if I ever let my child feel that difference. I would still love and protect them fiercely though.

5points

Typical_Conclusion_5 , Guillaume de Germain Report

Does a Child Make You Happier?

The age-old question of whether having children makes you happier isn't one with a simple yes or no answer — but let’s unpack what we know so far.

Research has shown a mixed bag of emotions when it comes to parenthood. On one side, having kids can bring immense joy, unconditional love, and a sense of fulfillment. Some studies suggest that people with children report being happier, more satisfied, and find more meaning in life than non-parents do. On the flip side, it also comes with challenges like sleep deprivation, financial strain, and less personal time, which can, at times, overshadow the joys of parenthood.

Several studies have looked into the happiness quotient of parents versus non-parents. Some indicate that parents experience higher levels of happiness and satisfaction, while others find no significant difference or even a dip in happiness levels post-parenthood.

In the grand scheme of things, whether or not having children makes you happier boils down to personal values, circumstances, and the support systems in place.

#28

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World Cost of raising a kid, and the lifelong stress of raising a kid.

Final score:

52points

POST

Jake B 1 year ago

Once you have one you are always a parent and no matter their age you will think of and worry about them. It can never be undone.

17points

#29

*gestures vaguely around myself* Um?
Also I have illnesses that could pass on to my offspring. And I'd never wish manic depression coupled with addictive tendencies on anyone, let alone watch my child suffer through it.

-GrizzTheWolf- Report

Final score:

52points

POST

June 1 year ago

I am autistic and I've often felt miserable during my life. Life is hard, and society is not great with us. I don't want another one to get through it. On top of the other reasons (climate, wars, pandemics...) . I don't believe anymore in humans. It won't get better. I got myself sterilized last month.

11points

#30

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World To quote Homer Simpson “aww I have 3 kids and no money. I wish I had 3 money and no kids”

I like my lifestyle. I am starting a “college fund, but instead of paying for a 3year degree I’m going to blow it on a looooonnngggg vacation

timberwolf0122 , Jack Anstey Report

Final score:

51points

POST

DingleTheDangler 1 year ago

Mav Mav commenting on every post: “What does not having the desire or ability to be a loving, dedicated parent have to do with your decision about having kids?”

6points

#31

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World Because I am scared of being a bad parent. I can't bring a life in this world just to screw it. Thanks for f*****g me up Narc dad.

WaywardRoads , Luemen Rutkowski Report

Final score:

50points

POST

Blue_Mouse 1 year ago

Yep

3points

#32

Giving birth have some risk. And I don't want to risk my wife for child I don't even actually want.

Why should I have kids anyway ?

CatG8 Report

Final score:

49points

POST

Tucker Cahooter 1 year ago

Agreed. One of me is more than enough

4points

#33

Autism. I'm autistic, my older brother has traits and our dad does too. I've been told it "isn't as genetic as I think" but that's not the only thing stopping me. There's anxiety and depression spanning three generations on my dad's side and I've got the anxiety and maybe depression. There's three auto immune diseases as well, rheumatoid arthritis with my mom and my late paternal grandmother, there's sjogrens disease with my mother and her sister has MS. And both my and my brother have displayed a couple of symptoms of sjogrens at times. And im terrified that my niece will end up with one of those f*****g auto immune diseases. But yeah having a kid is apparently the most wonderful thing you could or some s**t, idk. Did I mention the couple of different cancers? I'll have to double check which ones but at the end of the day, I'm not having kids.

Imagreyalien Report

Final score:

44points

POST

Ronna Black 1 year ago

I am autistic. I have friends who are also autistic. One has two kids on the spectrum, both with more challenges than she had. The other has one of each, ASD and NT. The ASD child has more challenges than my friends had. I can barely keep myself functional, I didn’t think it wise to possibly give birth to a child with more challenges than I had/have, especially when I was younger.

1point

#34

Because I don’t want to. Love kids, they’re adorable and all, but no thanks.

myjadedtruth Report

Final score:

40points

POST

Lauren S 1 year ago

Valid.

7points

#35

Have you seen the world we live in? Global warming, wars, idiots ... Not bringing a child into a world like this.

GingerWife-o Report

Final score:

40points

POST

Best Behave 1 year ago

@boatswain doesn't sound like they're the martyr at all. I'd say it's mostly parents that act the martyr

3points

#36

Because it‘s excruciating for the body, and for your physical/emotional/hormonal/financial health. It makes your life harder for AT LEAST 18 years. And you can‘t gurantee that you‘ll be good enough for the child.

realstareyes Report

Final score:

39points

POST

Jake B 1 year ago

As a parent of a special needs child who will live with us forever, I have to say be prepared just in case. We thought 18, college and they would be on their own. We love them to death but since we and our siblings are older and only a few in the next generation of the family we are worried what comes after us. And your night about the changes to your body. So be sure you want to be a parent before you are. It’s a forever job.

22points

#37

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World Don’t have the patience for kids

Leoimirmir , MI PHAM Report

Final score:

37points

POST

Lauren S 1 year ago

I love this picture. And patience is one of the things I do have. Patience and empathy are probably my strengths.

2points

#38

because kids are basically money-sucking vacuum cleaners with legs

champoradong_kape Report

Final score:

36points

POST

June 1 year ago

cleaners? lol

10points

#39

It might be selfish but life is short, I don’t want to sacrifice 1/4 of it raising kids. And then when you finally get rid of the kids it’s the grandkids getting dumped on you

maybe2939 Report

Final score:

35points

POST

Spocks's Mom 1 year ago

Not always. I probably won't have grandkids and I'm a-okay with it.

5points

#40

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World I have a hard time letting the dog out sometimes so I know I'm not going to feel like doing s**t for the kid. Too selfish

fhgtyjdg , Martin Dalsgaard Report

Final score:

34points

POST

Sr5turbo 1 year ago

And it is acceptable to lock your dog in a crate while you go out. They frown upon locking a child in a crate even if you're there.

17points

#41

Whenever I see women give their reason for being childless, they always reference how it would negatively impact on THEIR lives.. (which I definitely relate to so no shade)

But despite the fact that I would hate being a mother.. I still don't hate the idea of having a kid someday. I've always sort of pictured myself with one.

The reason I'm not gonna do it is for the child's sake.
No kid deserves to be stuck with me as their mother for life.

I know how I feel about my mother.. and I share all of her flaws and none of her coping skills. My kid would hate me and I would deserve it. This kid is pretty much guaranteed emotional instability and consequential trauma that I won't be able to control 100% of the time.

And to consciously bring that kid into this pre-apocalyptic world of nonsensical tyranny?? This child would be a mess on the inside and on the outside.

Pass.

seeyouinthesun Report

Final score:

33points

POST

June 1 year ago

Not exactly the same but the closest so far. I'm autistic and very likely to have autistic kids since the ND is strong in my family (both sides). And I believe that a NT kid would be miserable with me. Life is harsh, exhausting, I can barely cope myself. The world is burning. I don't want to bring a new human being into this world. We forked it up. I don't want to bring a new ND kid into this society. I don't want kids (and acted on it) because I don't want to bring a new human being into this world for them to feel miserable.

7points

#42

Having kids is just too expensive

Snekpai Report

Final score:

33points

POST

Spocks's Mom 1 year ago

It is. We found ways to make due, but it was always a struggle. We actually have a little disposable cash now that we are empty nesters.

2points

#43

I like my life exactly like it is. Kids might make it better. They might make it worse. But, since this is awesome, I’m great with things staying the way they are.

SnooWords4513 Report

Final score:

32points

POST

#44

50 Eye-Opening Reasons Not To Have Kids in Today’s World Infertility. We tried for years I wanted nothing more than to be a mother but it just didn’t happen. But though this process we have realized we really enjoy our no kids lifestyle. So as of now if it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t by the time I’m 40 we will adopt…maybe.

Sadaisy , Laura Ohlman Report

Final score:

31points

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LeighAnne Brown-Pedersen 1 year ago

Infertility! I am 90% ok never getting to be a mom. 80% ok knowing by picking me, my husband will never be a dad. For all the above things people have said, I’m mostly ok being dual income, no kids, lots of sleep. But I don’t think I’ll ever be 100% ok with it.

12points

#45

Both I and the woman who would have been their mom are not mentally fit to be parents. Our house would not be a good place to grow up. We also have some bad physical traits that are best left out of the genepool.

Ashtar-the-Squid Report

Final score:

30points

POST

catslave6 1 year ago

It's good to know yourself. Well done.

7points

#46

Bringing someone into this world is cruel

dziwolonk Report

Final score:

29points

POST

Alvia Vseobecna 1 year ago

Unless one is prepared to explain this cruelty to a child (at appropriate age), this should be considered! I have seen so many people just plain lie to their children at crucial moments.. it's insane

5points

#47

I'm living this life for me. I can go and do whatever I want, whenever I want, without thinking of anyone else and it doesn't impact anyone else whatsoever. Absolute freedom. Then there's the costs. Then there's the world going to s**t. Unless I can 100% guarantee they will be successful, healthy and happy, that's a No-Go for me.

Sputnik9999 Report

Final score:

29points

POST

Lauren S 1 year ago

Well, I can tell you with 100% certainty that they will fail at something at sometimes, they will be sick or injured at sometime, and they will be sad, angry, scared, etc and not happy at sometimes. That is life. But they will also have successes, joys, and wonderful things too. As I told my kid’s little league coach, we don’t need to protect them from being upset, we need to give them the space to be upset and learn to get through it with whatever level of support they need. We were talking about if every kid bats every inning or if we play the 3 outs or 5 runs rule. Team is 6-8 yos. Now, when my kid played at 3 and 4, he absolutely needed no strike outs, no outs, everyone bats, everyone scores. But 6 to 8? They are capable of learning to manage their emotions.

3points

#48

I had a vasectomy and I had a vasectomy

JCBAwesomist Report

Final score:

26points

POST

June 1 year ago

Doesn't fit, but good on you (been spayed lately 🙌)

6points

#49

1. I'm not ready financially, emotionally, physically, mentally capable and any other aspects right there
2. I am single, never been in a relationship, and currently no plans of having one. If I'll find for my parther, we should agree on the fact that we might choose not to have kids.
3. I am still spoiling my inner child. I need to focus on making myself better first
4. Even if I became the best parent in the world, giving everything to my child, I think the world isn't that sustainable anymore. You can give the best parenting method to your child but pollution, bad influence, discrimination, accidents, war, and potential pandemics will just make you think that this isn't the perfect place to live anymore

NatsuKazoo Report

Final score:

25points

POST

Mary August 1 year ago

I like #3 "still spoiling my inner child". I grew up rather poor. Now my finances are ok so I spoil myself all the time. I want to keep doing that.

16points

Party_Attitude_8966 Report

#50

Full transparency, and being a bit vulnerable here, it’s actually a combination of several things:

1) It’s hard to determine a consistent sense of self with the way American society is so fast paced now for me, and I cannot imagine having to navigate someone I’m responsible for through the world to help them determine their own sense of self

2) I’d think it would be selfish of me to produce a kid with the genes I’ve gotten from my family (bipolar depressive disorder, ADHD, heart disease, etc.) and then have them suffer through that stuff

3) I still struggle with my insecurities regarding my intelligence and knowledge basis on finances, household maintenance, car repairs, and consistency in my own life routines where I get a sense of fulfillment, so ineptitude essentially

4) I cannot afford that idea right now and likely won’t be able to because I don’t per se put a premium on the accumulation of capital and financial resources, nor do I necessarily want to

5) I read the 3 prominent Stoic philosophy texts by Seneca, Aurelius, and Epictetus and routinely they mentioned the things we “own” owning us due to the upkeep required for these “things”, and I hate the idea of being indebted to or forced to submit myself to anything really and daily have problems coming to grips with needing to do this to “play nice” in society at large

Sorry, it seems like I ranted there…

Final score:

23points

POST

Isaac Harvey 1 year ago

There is nothing wrong with having multiple reasons.

5points

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We’ve sifted through a lot of thoughts and facts, and now we’d love to hear from you! Are you nodding along with some points or shaking your head at others? Whatever your take, drop a comment below and share your perspective. Your voice adds color to this ongoing conversation, and we’re here for it!

#51

Why DO you have kids

jessi0510 Report

Final score:

12points

POST

#52

Climate change and late stage capitalism.

Planktonoid Report

Final score:

12points

POST

#53

Parent and sibling both have bipolar disorder. Early on I knew I didn't want to pass on my genes. Of course there are other ways to have kids, but I have never wanted them. I don't know if that's my nature of my nurture. In my mid-50s I see peers with adult kids and grandkids and envy that a little and worry for my older years without that connection and source of potential support. Even so, I don't have the desire to raise a child.

fromdecatur Report

Final score:

12points

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#54

Zero maternal instincts plus (likely) infertility. Even if I was on the fence about kids, I don't want them badly enough to go through fertility treatments to have them. I just never felt the desire to be a parent.

duckface08 Report

Final score:

12points

POST

#55

Nunya. Nunya business. Seriously though, we just never had an overwhelming desire for kids. We figured if it was not something we felt really strongly about we should just pass. For me I think that is because I was the youngest and none of my siblings had kids either. My wife and I did foster a boy when he was 6 to 8 years old. It was a good experience, but at the end of it we both admitted not having the stress and expense of kids was a good thing. Although we did miss having him around and we did a lot of things, like going to movies and theme parks, that we would not have done had we not had a child in the house.

Caspers_Shadow Report

Final score:

12points

POST

Freya the Wanderer 1 year ago

Right on! None of anybody's [bleep]ing business. You don't wanna have kids - great.

5points

Inside-Currency9002 Report

#56

I don't want to be a parent, I'm too selfish to have a child. I like my own time and to do what I want, when I want to.
Also, there is NOTHING for kids coming into this world.

tr0n_23 Report

Final score:

11points

POST

#57

Infertility f*****g sucks a*s dude

Final score:

10points

POST

Lauren S 1 year ago

☹️ This doesn’t sound like someone who doesn’t want kids though. I hope OP comes to a place where they don’t blame themselves and considers all the different ways families can be made, if he or she does want children that is.

2points