Comments on: RANT: Kids? Don’t Have ‘Em, Don’t Want ‘Em

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 15:03:00 +0000

I too choose a childless route for reasons quite close to yours. Well said.

By: Ashley Johnston

Ashley Johnston — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 19:08:00 +0000

Two comments if I may:

1) Hmmmmm
and
2) Wow.

By: mhorts

mhorts — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 16:50:00 +0000

I’m 44, married, and do not have any children. There have been fleeting moments when I wondered what it would be like to have an ankle-biter or two, but these moments pass quickly.

One interesting dynamic that I have noticed is that as I get older and still don’t have children, many parents treat me like a child molester. You are 44 and don’t have any children? What is wrong with you? Stay away from my kids. Actually, this is mostly in my head, but it does concern me.

By: scribe called steff

scribe called steff — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 15:05:00 +0000

PS: I only wish I’d been ironic enough and smart enough to say, “Oh, God, No!” to a comment about my being Christian. That’s a good one. I only said “Sez who?” Hardly brilliant. :)

Myself — Yes, the pressure is odd when you’re female, isn’t it? Fuck ‘em. :)

Coyote — That’s it, I’m calling my unborn, unthere child George.

Neuro — Hey, you’re welcome. Yeah, I get a lot of flack from certain people. My dad applauds it, says good on me. Other people tell me cool, I’m thinking for myself, but then there are the “oh, you’ll change your mind when you fall for someone, you’ll see” crowd who piss me off. :P

By: Neurotica

Neurotica — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 14:29:00 +0000

wow… you elucidated that all so well. I also have chosen not to have kids, for many of the same reasons you listed (though I don’t think I could have done so as clearly!), and am so tired of being made to feel like there is something wrong with me for that. particularly as I’m from the south, and when I go there for a visit, I get the distinct impression that they think I have somehow failed in life….. that the ultimate success is marriage and kids, and the fact that I am working on a phd, or have traveled to some amazing places, really doesn’t count. anyway, I could rant on this myself, but just wanted to say thanks for stating it all so clearly!

By: Mad Coyote

Mad Coyote — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 02:14:00 +0000

Personally, I think it's great that you both know you don't want kids- as Haaaaaaa said, I've seen far too many people who should never have had them, and far too many who should have their kids taken away.

My sister and her husband have never wanted kids, and it's what's best for them. Children just don't fit into their lifestyle, and I think that's great.

Myself, I always wanted kids; and I'm quite happy being a single dad with a teenage daughter (and like The Guy, I too am 36). I wouldn't give up my daughter for the world, and to me, all the hard work and sacrifice is worth it. But I definitely wouldn't say it's for everyone; and for those people who don't feel comfortable with the idea, I think the important thing is that they realise it, and don't bring a life into this world that won't be truly welcomed.

Besides, you never know- by choosing not to have a kid, you may just be denying the world another George Bush... :P

By: myself

myself — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 01:45:00 +0000

Thank you for this. I am a woman who has not wanted kids and taken crap for it my whole life. Babysat WAY too much as a teen, I know what goes into it, and frankly, good on anyone that decides it’s for them, but childrearing is not going to be on my resume.

Thankfully, being in my late 30’s the “I’m too old” comment works very well, and doens’t need any explanations. I can (and have) get pregnant if I wanted to, but there’s that problem of want.

Don’t want.

By: PS

PS — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 20:54:00 +0000

Quite alright. I did enjoy the, “Christian? Oh, god NO!” Made my day : )

I respect it.

By: scribe called steff

scribe called steff — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 20:44:00 +0000

Oh, yes, okay, well, you're allowed to be a Christian. :)

I get it now. Bear of very little brain sometimes. ;)

Yeah, someone's gotta speak up for those of us who aren't too off of center, but who don't wish to live within the narrow boxes set out by the rest of society's "norms". I know I'm not alone, but I'm also not an extremist, and I'm the kind of person most people would assume to have kids or get married or what have you, I would think. It just ain't the case. Heh.

Thanks, tho. :)

By: PS

PS — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 19:07:00 +0000

Sorry, I meant I was a Christian. “That from a Christian” was meant as an underline to my comment supportive of “Righteous.” Just sayin’ I agreed with you.

Who said you don’t have an anti-mainstream view on kids…or marriage for that matter? I guess you do, but hell, that’s a mighty good thing.