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.
#1
I don’t want them.
Image source: 0nionBerry, Kaboompics.com
#2
I like sleeping, having money, and enjoying peace. Kids threaten all three.
Image source: Best_Sherbet2727, Craig Adderley
#3
The questions should be: people who want children, what are your biggest reasons.
Image source: ikindalold, Lukas
#4
To quote a comment I’ve read somewhere “I’d rather regret not having kids than regret having them”.
Image source: Affectionate_Sea_984, Thirdman
#5
I just don’t. I wish people would respect that. .
Image source: Turbulent_Divide_311, Getty Images
#6
The sound of a baby crying makes me want to jump out a window.
Image source: Gu1n3ss, Phil Nguyen
#7
*gestures around wildly*.
Image source: ThomasDominus, Lisa from Pexels
#8
The thought of pushing a human being out my v****a sounds horrifying.
Image source: IceCreamPlsss, Josh Willink
#9
Free time and money. Cats are more entertaining and cheaper.
Image source: LSDthrowaway34520, Pixabay
#10
We don’t need reasons. Want is a subjective word. Any reason for not wanting kids a person has is valid.
Image source: n-tulipwind, Alex P
#11
Our family has a genetic disease, I don’t want my child to suffer the same way as I am.
Image source: EirenVayn, Andrea Piacquadio
#12
They are just really annoying honestly.
Image source: mlbrano, Getty Images
#13
Everything. There’s literally nothing appealing about having children. If someone says they don’t want kids accept and move on.
Image source: Practical_Joke_193, Andrea Piacquadio
#14
Because I saw how exhausted parents look.
Image source: randinicole831, nd3000
#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.
Image source: s-prettypumpkin, Alena Darmel
#16
The screams, the horrible screams….
Image source: gorgeousoutrageous, Sarah Chai
#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.
Image source: ImpressionOld2296, Gustavo Fring
#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.
Image source: Solid-Group8544, Jeffery Erhunse
#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.
Image source: FishermanUsed2842, unsplash.com
#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.
Image source: Tasty-Pollution-Tax, Peter Dlhy
#21
I don’t want a hard life. Pregnancy terrifies me, kids are expensive, and I don’t know if I have the patience to be a good parent and also have a fulfilling life of my own. I like the freedom of being able to do what I want without having to consider children. And I don’t want to bring kids into this world, I wouldn’t know what kind of life they could even have if I did.
Image source: k_r_shade, Leah Newhouse
#22
I am not financially secure enough to give my child a good life.
Image source: Prestigious-Bambi, Getty Images
#23
In this economy?!
Image source: leadthemwell, Kaboompics.com
#24
The world is just becoming a worse and worse place.
Pollution, global warming, fighting, increasing hate, intolerance.
I grew up in the 80s and 90s which was a great era and there is no way I could ever provide kids the same happiness, joy and bright future that I had.
Image source: c00750ny3h, Juliane Liebermann
#25
Because they’re gross, annoying, get you sick from a single day at school, cost too much money, are a hindrance on freedom in your life, plus seeing people these days with mini a******s they let do whatever is a deterrent enough. Honestly people with kids should just keep them at home more. No one wants to hear your screaming child. It’s obnoxious.
Image source: theogpskyi, Seif Eddin Khayat
#26
I value my space and freedom.
I like being independent.
The world is going to s**t.
Pregnancy and giving birth is terrifying.
And my anxiety would make me a bad mom, I would probably f**k up the kids.
Image source: MiFelidae, Pablo Heimplatz
#27
It’s a trap. When I watch people with children, my friends, but also my mother, I see not one single thing enticing enough to make me want to have them. All I see is misery and prison.
Image source: hosenmitblumen, Getty Images
#28
Children are a burden. They cost money, they cost time, and they are unpredictable. They might steal from you, get the police interested in you, throw a party in your house, break everything you’ve worked so hard for. They might m****r you in your sleep or burn down your house.
You have to feed them, clothe them, keep them alive and they are little psychos.
If you want to throw away any semblance of peace and quiet, have children. If you want little failures who might refuse to work and support themselves and borrow money from you, have children.
If you want insanity for your entire life, have children.
Image source: TonsilKicker, Getty Images
#29
My husband and I love being able to do whatever we want whenever we want and naps!
Image source: ilikebigmutts1988, Hrant Khachatryan
#30
Children are awful, loud, always sticky, expensive, annoying and every person i have ever met with children seems tired and miserable 100% of the time.
I think the better question is why would anyone want children.
Image source: whole_chocolate_milk, charlesdeluvio
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