Do I Want Kids?

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I think we should change the question from 'Do you want to have kids?' to 'Do you want to be a parent?' as that is the crux of it. Kids aren't some accessories or a band-aid for other problems, they require care and time. Maybe if we focus more on the new role a person have to take on as a parent, rather than on 'acquisition' of a child people will reflect more before making the decision.

pets are the new kids. Plants are the new pets.

I have known since I was 14 that I don’t want kids. Now I’m in my mid30s and happily childfree. ☺️ I’m grateful I found a partner who shares the similar views as me.

The closing had me in tears. I never really wanted kids because I seen how my mother struggled, she lost her career, her health and her marriage and I felt like it’s my fault. She got diagnosed with breast cancer, but delayed her treatment because 20 years back we were way too young to grow up without a mother. This cause her cancer to spread, and her living in pain until one day she decided we are old enough and went for treatment. It was way too late we lost her two years after the chemotherapy. I admired her strength but I don’t think I want that responsibility for myself

I'm a teacher and honestly, that's my number one form of birth control.

I love my kids to death but as someone who has kids, I can completely understand why someone would never want to have them. It's not a decision to take lightly.

This should be titled “are you fit to be a parent” because not everyone should be a parent. Doesn’t matter if you’re ready or not it’s just that some people are more for to be parents than others

I’m surprised people expect kids to make them happier. I would expect it to be much more stressful and hard than not having kids but that the positives of kids are about companionship, the satisfaction of impacting another’s life and the bond of family

As a 27-year old, this video made me sad. There is so much pressure on me to optimize career goal, marriage to the right person, and bear a human being all at a single time.

I think the first real question before "Do I want kids" talk is the "Do I want to be in a relationship" talk first. Because I came to the realization that I would make a great Uncle than a Father.

This is a great conversation to have for kids. I have a 7 year old but I had him young and I realize my personality doesn’t fit with being a parent, although I make it work. The more independent he becomes the happier I become.

I find it frustrating that people are discussing making fertility treatments more widely available, without thinking about whether or not those couples can even afford to actually have a child, which will absolutely cost them more than fertility treatments.

I'd rather regret not having kids than regret having kids.

I see no problem with people who do not want to have kids, the only problem is those people who cannot accept others’ decision not to have kids. Periodt.

I am 20 from India... Everytime I share my opinion with my friends that I wanna go childfree.. Most of them said your thoughts are gonna change with the time.. But really don't want kids.. 🙁.

저는 아이를 낳지 않기로 결심한 한국의 28세 여성입니다. 그렇게 결정한 이유는 경제적 부담, 자유의 박탈, 신체의 변화 등 여러가지가 있지만 가장 중요한 건 내 자신이 행복하지 않은 가정환경에서 자랐다는 사실입니다. 나는 홀어머니 밑에서 자랐고 늘 경제적으로 부족한 삶을 살았지만 내가 불행한 이유는 엄마에 대한 애증의 마음 때문입니다. 엄마는 우리를 사랑보단 책임감, 책무로 키우셨고 늘 우리때문에 힘들어했으며 상처주는 말도 서스럼없이 했습니다. 엄마가 우릴 사랑하지 않는다는건 아니지만 우리때문에 항상 불행해하고 항상 슬퍼하는 모습을 지켜보며 저는 제가 아이를 낳아도 아이에게 온전한 행복을 줄 수 없을거라고 느꼈습니다. 나 자신이 행복해야 아이도 행복하게 키울 수 있을거라고 생각하는데, 저는 행복해지기 어려운 삶을 살고있고 아이를 낳는다면 행복보다 불행이 훨씬 더 커질것이라는 걸 잘 알고 있습니다.

Other than money for living essentials, baby care, insurance, home, etc, the most stressful factor for working parents is giving time and energy. Ensuring kid to be healthy, well behaving and prepared for society is big challenge.

The irony that I had to turn up the volume while watching this because my neighbour's kid is having a complete meltdown on the other side of the wall, is not lost on me.

No. I do not want kids, decided when I was 12 and never changed my mind. Despite all the times someone said “oh, give it time.” Never got married either, it’s ridiculous to think “that kids make you happier” as a sweeping statement.