#1
It feels glorious. Everytime I see screeching ferals on the bus, giving the parents a headache, I think how glad I am I dodged that bullet!
#2
The undisturbed sleep.
That my life won't ever revolve around another human being that is dependent on me.
#3
In our society, parenthood is often viewed as one of the ultimate goals a person can achieve in their life. Yet, not everyone is actually cut out for it, so some opt to avoid becoming a parent.
Of course, like any other lifestyle, it has its ups and downs. Today’s list, which was gathered from various people’s opinions scattered across the internet, reveals some of those.
As you might notice, quite a few of these things (especially the advantages) directly correlate with the most common reasons why some people choose to not become parents.
#4
Not having to worry so much about money.
Having time to relax.
Being able to sleep in and take naps.
When I put things down, they stay where I put them.
Less stress.
Not fearing when a school is shut down because of a gun/bomb threat that my child is going to be hurt.
Not stressing about the world my child would be inheriting.
Not being trapped at home, not having to leave the job I like for one that's more flexible with childcare, not being stuck for the sake of my kids.
That's just a quick summery. I could probably write a book if I wold like.
#5
The fact that I get to spend my money on things I love in general and not having to spend a dime on stupid s**t a kid would require.
Also I absolutely 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 all the silence and free time CF life provides.
#6
For instance, freedom—many folks just want to live their lives for themselves, but when you’re a parent, that’s just not possible to do. Unless you’re fully neglecting the child, and we don’t have to tell you how wrong that is, do we? This reason is even highlighted by the term “child-free” itself. It contains the suffix -free, which gives the freedom and personal choice to live this way.
But that’s far from the sole reason why parenthood isn’t everyone’s choice. Maybe a person didn’t have the best childhood and/or relationship with their parents and they’re afraid of repeating those patterns. Maybe they just worry about their ability to parent.
#7
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#9
Others might be worried about outside forces, like wars, climate crisis, overpopulation, high living costs, and other things—just look at the news and you will get the gist.
The thing is that it’s up to each person and they shouldn’t be judged if they decide to be child-free. Sadly, more often than not, they are. Again, just like the reasons behind this choice, its consequences (of usually being judged), have different causes too.
#11
It’s certainly lonelier, though not necessarily lonely
#12
As this Reddit comment points out, being child-free is a deviation from social norms, and usually deviations are treated pretty negatively.
For some people, what resonates about this choice is how different it is from what we’re used to—as we mentioned, parenthood is viewed as the ultimate goal.
This especially comes from the people who've had children, because they felt pressured to, and watching someone avoid that makes them irate, as it fills them with the “what ifs” of their own life. They doubt their life choices when hearing that others don’t want to live that way, so they lash out at them.
#13
#14
Also, this is both an upside and a downside, but not following the life script almost everyone is following can be a bit alienating and also you have to take more responsibility for your happiness and finding your life goal. It comes with more freedom (hence why it’s an upside), but you also have to figure out your own path… which is not always easy.
Finally a lot of social activities for people over 30 are geared towards parents. So again, you can feel like an outcast to some extent.
Still all very worth it though.
#15
This other Reddit comment mentions a similar thing while adding new layers. For example, the men-women dynamics in society. Men (especially conservative, religious ones) don’t like hearing about women opting out of motherhood, as it suggests the possibility that they won't need men either, instead being independent, which might challenge their status as “head of the house.”
These are just a few of the real reasons why child-free folks tend to be despised by some. Of course, it's important not to generalize—people are complicated beings, and understanding their actions isn't always so simple. At the same time, certain things like hatred shouldn’t be justified.
What are your thoughts on being child-free? Maybe you have some unmentioned pros and cons in mind? Share everything with us in the comments!
#16
Insults. The childfree are called "selfish," "childless cat ladies," "bitter," not fulfilling the functions of a walking uterus, etc.
Pressure. Especially from parents who will not accept that their relatives, coworkers, and friends are childfree and constantly badger them.
Threats, a type of pressure. Loneliness in old age and yadda.
Other than that, none!
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