Deciding not to have children (socially unacceptable?)

[E-mantheseeker]

I have made the decision that I wouldn't ever want children. I think it's a pretty reasonable decision seeing as how I'm not generally interested in starting a family or have any real desire reasons to have children. I'm not the model "Family man" while I love them, I have grown tired of living with my mother and sister, and the parallel between "Mother and Sibling" and "Wife and Children" are close enough for me to know that it would be a mistake for me to start a family knowing I would regret it later on, and live miserably.

However, I do not think starting a family in general is a mistake. I don't look down on anyone who does, but whenever the subject is brought up and I mention that I wouldn't ever want kids, the reaction is usually surprise and unbelief, as if it's absurd or immature to make such a decision, as if it's expected and necessary for every single human to start a family.

It's not as if there's an immediate problem with the world population being too low, so I must ask, why does the notion of never having children seem so unacceptable to the general public?

Edit: I'm less than 3 months away from my 20th birthday, just in case you might be wondering. Also, I'm fully aware of the possibility that I may change my mind in the future, however, the decision has come from careful consideration and logical thinking, I do not thinking chalking it up to my age counts in my case, although I do keep in mind that it's a possibility.

 

[Monkfish Acc.]

Because humans generally like to keep the genepool varied.
As many bigots as there are, people do have an instinct that says "I don't want my offspring shagging each other".
That's my theory, anyway.

 

[Daezd]

I don't like kids. Maybe that'll change, but until then, I don't want them.

I think it's mainly because of past beliefs, that children are assets, rather than tiny, annoying pricks that anger you. A lot.

 

[Andaxay]

I would like to get married in my time, but children have never, ever been on my agenda, either. I've said to my friends in the past, "I definitely don't want children", and they've all said, "Wait 'til you're older, you will."

Seven years on and that maternal streak has not appeared. I do not enjoy children, and have no desire whatsoever to have my own. And the reaction I get to stating that fact is always shock and then a very patronising "wait 'til you're older and you'll change your mind". No, I won't. My sister called me cold-hearted, but I don't see it that way at all. I love my family, and those close to me, but just do not possess a maternal instinct or desire. I don't see a problem with that at all - we're certainly not the only ones in the world with no desire for children.

 

[DazZ.]

I like the idea that were a virus and slowly corrupting what were placed on. Its in our wiring to reproduce, as with most species.

But were doing fine, we dont need everyone to have kids, im sure well survive. Enjoy your life the way you want to.

Edit: I want a sprog, just so I can teach it stuff and see how much its like me. Or watch him grow up totally different to me and be weirded out by him, ill hide him from co-workers/friends if thats the case. Couldn't have it in my house though.

 

[The Keeper]

I have never run into such a way of thinking, myself, so I can't really answer that.

 

[The Infamous Scamola]

I fuckin' hate small kids. I don't need small versions of myself running around my house, puking and shitting all over while ruining my social life and sleep patterns.

All of that stuff I can do perfectly well on my own, thank you very much.

 

[El Poncho]

I would want kids when i'm older so I can show them things and all that stuff you generally want to do.

 

[lacktheknack]

Most people have it ingrained into them that children = continuation of species = good. It's that simple.

 

[annoyinglizardvoice]

More traditional minded people sometimes struggle to get their heads around the fact the some folks don't want kids.

Working in a library for a few years has put me off the idea for life. The fact that I'm hideous helps me avoid reproducing

 

[Irridium]

I don't want kids either, they annoy me to the point where I want to punt a small dog.

Plus, if anyone wants me to have a child, then they are cold heartless assholes to want a child to go through having me as a parent.

 

[Sigel]

Misery loves company..I kid, I kid, I love children, they taste like dolphin._> but seriously, I think if you have thought this through, and are comfortable about your decision, you should not care about other people's opinion. I made the same decision several years back and get all kinds of crap for it. Reproduction is hardwired into most people so your always going to get some sort of reaction. If you truly believe in your decision, stick to your guns. If you decide to change your mind, it's not written in stone. If your decision is based on overpopulation but you decide to have kids, adoption is always viable appreciated option.

 

[andrat]

Can't stand little kids.

 

[RivFader86]

I don't need small versions of myself running around my house, puking and shitting all over while ruining my social life and sleep patterns.

cut out the "small versions of" and you're talking about beeing drunk harharhar

 

[DarkSplinter82]

I am also the same, no real interest in having children.

 

[The Infamous Scamola]

I don't need small versions of myself running around my house, puking and shitting all over while ruining my social life and sleep patterns.

cut out the "small versions of" and you're talking about beeing drunk harharhar

See, this guy gets it!

 

[ExaltedK9]

I don't hate kids...I just hate everything they say and do.

If you don't want children, then nobody should be able to contest that. It doesn't matter what everyone else thinks, the decision falls to you.

 

[Automind]

I think you are entitled to your own choice and I agree that children are a pain, but eventually it pays off. However, you have not brought up the argument that has made me decide not to have children. I simply would not want to have a child in this world of corrupt government, genocide and perpetual war. It's not ideal for children and I would not want my child to be taken away by some entitled government so they can train him/her to kill.