Whether people can’t wait to hold a bundle of joy in their arms or can’t imagine themselves as parents, they all have their reasons for feeling the way that they do. But the former group arguably doesn’t have to answer as many questions about their decision as child-free people do.
Many people who belong to the latter category would likely attest that their stance on the issue is often met with a “why?”, to which they can tell you that the reasons are ample (the most common ones being simply not wanting to, wanting to focus on other things, or being concerned about the state of the world).
Such reasons were recently discussed by members of the ‘Ask Reddit’ community after one netizen asked them why they didn’t want to have children. Quite a few people opened up, so if you want to see what deters them from having kids, you can find their answers on the list below; and if you’re child-free yourself, feel free to share your two cents on the topic in the comments section.
#2
I like sleeping, having money, and enjoying peace. Kids threaten all three.
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44points
#3
The questions should be: people who want children, what are your biggest reasons.
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39points
#4
To quote a comment I’ve read somewhere “I’d rather regret not having kids than regret having them”.
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38points
#5
I just don’t. I wish people would respect that. .
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37points
#8
The thought of pushing a human being out my v****a sounds horrifying.
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32points
#9
Free time and money. Cats are more entertaining and cheaper.
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32points
#10
We don’t need reasons. Want is a subjective word. Any reason for not wanting kids a person has is valid.
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31points
#11
Our family has a genetic disease, I don't want my child to suffer the same way as I am.
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29points
#13
Everything. There’s literally nothing appealing about having children. If someone says they don’t want kids accept and move on.
28points
#15
I love my free time more than anything. I can do anything I want at any time when I'm not working. I read, make videos about table top games, play video games, hang out with my wife and dogs, hang out with friends.
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26points
#17
Not having kids is the default. I have no desire to have kids as I see no reason, therefor I default to not having.
I feel a more interesting question would be to ask people who have kids why they do. There's a weird double standard though. It's acceptable for people to ask me "why not?" when they find out I don't have kids, but sort of taboo to ask them "why?" when finding out that they have kids.
I feel a more interesting question would be to ask people who have kids why they do. There's a weird double standard though. It's acceptable for people to ask me "why not?" when they find out I don't have kids, but sort of taboo to ask them "why?" when finding out that they have kids.
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23points
#18
I like having a peaceful life, get to save my money, time, and energy. Having a kid just sounds like a nightmare, every young parent I know is miserable af.
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23points
#19
I've never understood the appeal of children. I don't think they're fun, or cute, or funny, or interesting at all. Maybe I'm missing a chromosome or something. If I see someone with a baby, I walk by without a second look. Now if someone has a puppy or a kitten, I lose my f*****g mind. I guess I'm just more suited to be a pet parent. We're in our mid-late 40's and have never regretted not having kids.
FishermanUsed2842, https://unsplash.com/photos/a-top-view-of-father-with-small-children-sweeping-shards-at-home-daily-chores-concept-wAPFgmuRnCs
Report23points
#20
Children suck… while it’s not their fault at all, they’re a chronic k**l joy, wildly expensive, often remove parents from their identity, namely primary caregivers (mothers). Having one so I’ll be taken care of when I’m old is not a compelling enough argument. Everyone talks about why people don’t want children, what about why they do? Children are the epitome of indulgence and often poorly timed and planned.
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21points