I might be in the minority even on this sometimes pessimistic site, but I don't want to have kids anymore. Yes, they're cute and just like to play, which is fun. I've enjoyed my nieces, and they me, but when they hit puberty they became aloof and self-absorbed.
This is something you can't say to your parents, but I fight resentment of the fact that I exist, even though I never particularly wanted to and wouldn't have signed-up for it in retrospect. I feel that if I had children, I'd be forcing them into something that I don't like being forced into myself. And the pros and cons of having kids seem stacked against it being worthwhile. Not enough jobs for willing workers, too much crime, increasing pollution, scarcer resources, the probability of the kids rebelling, going sideways, not finding contentment. On and on. Life seems to be getting more and more challenging.
I fear I'd hit the non-existence button if given the choice. Yeah, there'd be no more chance to experience positives in life, but there'd be no more negatives either. So it seems almost hypocritical of me to have kids. (Yes, in the rare times I'm dating, I'm honest with them about it if the issue comes up. I can tell by the looks on their faces that they don't feel the same way I do.)
I've got friends who privately admit to me they wish they'd never had kids. Too much stress, frustration, and heartache. Far from what they'd hoped for. I've read advice columns with similar admissions from parents. Yes, for others it's been a joy. I get that. I'm not really a people person in general, though. I'm so-so even on my family, which I get along with all right. I just want to be alone most of the time.
You can always volunteer at schools, daycare, and enjoy your nephews, nieces, neighbors, etc to get your fix. The great thing with that is, they don't follow you home. LOL But it also seems that, particularly with women, it seems innate to want to reproduce (sorry if that sounds too clinical).
There's adoption as an option, too. For others, that is. I've soured even on that, and I feel a little guilty about that.
And some have children to get love or have company. Woah. Terrible reason for having them.
Your thoughts?