Childless couples

[Serenity]

Is it just me or are more and more couples/people making the decision to not have children these days?

I know for myself, I see it as a lifestyle choice but I thought it might make for an interesting article if I could find more people who feel this way or an indication that these childless couples are on the rise.

[fitz]

If it helps, I'm 1/2 of one of those couples.

That doesn't mean I hate kids, people.

I've heard this is a rising 'trend' - the unfortunate part being that those deciding not to have kids, also probably have the best means to raise them. A little bit of a broad statement, I know, but not without some truth to it.

[tjsailing]

I made the decision to not have kids while I was married. I am now living with my bf and his 11 year old son - a huge adjustment but one I have made happily. However, I definately cut the bf off at the pass if he starts to suggest that we might want one of our own. I am quite happy to think that in 7 or 8 years, his son will be relatively self-sufficient and give us the freedom to travel and live our lives for us. I do not want to start at scratch in that regard!

[All Ages Music Concerts]

Every life has scatches but to have a child is a wonderful lottery. I had my one and only at 38 and would never change that for a million dollars. There is a certain meaning to life and children teach you that meaning.

[kickidee]

Yes well there are a lot more rules and guidlines about raising kids today. It can be fun but you want to decide if you really want to give up on a more free and random lifestyle for many many years and the risks of those scratches on life turning into huge rips is pretty good. A lot of people will judge you on your childen's behavior and what you do about it. Definately not for the wishy washy minded. I totolally respect and admire people who only have kids when they decide they really want them, even if never. Kids should be wanted and I tell you they can be high maintanence.
There are lots of healthy ways to fill kiddiie cravings and I believe we all have an impact on a young persons life somewhere. who cares about matching genes with them, be there when a child needs help and you are in a modified way helping to parent. No everyones legacy will be a child that is for sure, many other ways to give.

[fitz]

^ This is true kickidee... If it's one thing I can't stand, it's people who think that by my not having children, that I am somehow not contributing to humanity... that I couldn't possibly understand my purpose on earth without having a child... that it is the be-all-end-all and ultimate purpose in being here.

[All Ages Music Concerts]

To each his/her own. My statement was only that I would never take a million dollars in exchange to having my son. Best gift I have received and I leave it at that>

[fitz]

I didn't mean that to be directed at you, and would you take 2 mil? =)

[neecy2k]

Each to their own. I never wanted children - I knew it when I was a teen that it simply wasn't something I desired, even though I LOVE babies and children. I worked as a nanny for 3 years to two beautiful boys and wouldn't have passed that up for a second. I also have a nephew and niece (ages 5 and 3) and they are the apples of their Auntie's eye, but I still have no desire to have my own. Thankfully my bf understands that. He has a 10 year old son, so he's happy too.

[kickidee]

I am with all music concerts, you have a child and the child means the world to you. This is exactly how it should be.
Every day I see heart breaking examples of parents who feel love for their kids but are not yet ready to give, they havn't taken care of their own needs yet. ( like knowing what they will do in life or how they will support the child without expecting society to pay.) They may always be looking for a party or feel deprived because of not being able to go without a wad available for the babysitter. The warm fuzzies of the miracle of birth tarnish and dull and another human being ends up undervalued undernourished, hurting and headed to self harm or others. This effect varies from mild to extreme but the truth is the environmental factor of abuse or neglect or poverty is a scientific 30% powerfull! Parenting by people not mature or disigned to do so can take a childs potential functioning from 70% capable for example to 40%. Thankfully the immature or incapable parent is not the norm but many of societies ills relate to people having children by accident or design who simply do not have what it takes to take on this incredible responsibility.
The member of our society who decides not to have children is often inteligent responsible and self aware. Furthermore many of these people can be a great resource to parents because they see the familly from the outside in, have a fresh perspective and energy to share having not been "on" 24/7. If they choose to avoid children altogether that is good too. The last thing a child needs is an adult in their life who admittedly has no interest or desire to bond with or be connected to them!
There are those who feel that our ultimate purpose in life is to produce offspring. They need to look outside the box and note there are many other worthwhile ventures in the world besides producing and training people to live on it.
lol and I suppose all that long winded speech could be summed up with what everyone has said, "to each his own." If it is going to be kids, please make sure you are the right candidate for that job. Remember the baby that adores nothing but you today will rebel and grow into an individual tomorow and also remember you are here to guide, not to own the child.