Originally posted by Tubby & Peanut's Mom
Oh, and one last reason I don't want them is I think I'm just way too selfish. I am not one to live my life for someone else, and I think that's the way you have to do it if you have kids. So many of your decisions are made based on their needs instead of your own. I guess I'm not willing to give myself up that much.
Hey now, that's not selfish at all! That's just you living your life how you want to...which is the same thing a good parents does...the life they want to lead includes children, so they go for it!

I'm trying to find the better list, but here's a quick list of some of the top reasons people choose to have kids. (I'm not applying this to anyone here, I know there are a lot of people here who had kids because they genuinely wanted them and wanted the experience of raising them, and that's what the world needs more of!)

1) They want an heir.
2) They want to carry on their family name.
3) They want a miniature version of themselves.
4) They want someone to take care of them when they're old. (even though now this rarely ever happens)
5) They want a second chance.
6) They need children to fulfill their lives somehow.

Note that all of these start with "they want". I'm very frustrated that I can't find the other list, but it listed some of the reasons people chose not to have children and it looked something like this:

1) The world is too overpopulated already.
2) They don't feel they would be able to provide adequately as a parent.
3) They feel that the world today is not a good place to bring a child into.
4) An inheritable disease runs in their family.
5) They grew up in an abusive situation, and are afraid they would continue the cycle.
6) They don't have a partner to help raise the kids.

Now, there are those Childfree like myself who would be classified as "Evil child-haters" most of the time, but the vast majority are not. Heck, I can think of four childfree folks off the top pf my head who are teachers, and LOVE their students, but at the same time are grateful to let them go home at the end of the day.