And this
I would instead like to go to Johnson county library with you and get me a library card because Johnson county library opened up recently
3 Likes
No kids here. Very spoiled dog.
Didn’t get married until 31, and we have a significant age gap (husband is 15 years older). Neither of us felt strongly about having kids, we were both ambivalent, and I think “obligation” is not a good reason. I don’t think I’d be a good parent, I’ve got too much mental and emotional baggage.
I taught preschool, swim lessons, and have friends with kids that I love and we vacation with them. I really enjoy hanging out with the kids but also appreciate when they leave. 
Adding to what others have said here: I feel so sad for future generations here. This is NOT the country I grew up in, and our planet is dying. Life is unaffordable. I think the best thing I could do is not bring another troubled child into this world.
2 Likes
Being a plugged in aunt/uncle is a true life hack. He’s a lucky kid.
1 Like
I share this sentiment. However, it helps to put things in context. I look back to the situation my parents were born in to. My mom was born in Communist Poland. My dad in an area of Italy that saw heavy destruction during the war. Both grew up in pretty extreme poverty. No indoor plumbing, bread lines, two room uninsulated stone houses with 6-9 kids, etc. I can’t imagine the world looked too promising for them growing up, or for my grandparents. Yet here we are.
3 Likes
My wife and I both were fortunate to grow up in very happy families and for both of us, some of greatest memories growing up involve our parents, siblings, cousins, etc. We both had the same desire to have kids of our own and hope to raise them in the same type of home and loving environment we were lucky enough to have. We have two daughters and I have enjoyed every aspect of raising what are now two amazing adults. One daughter just graduated college and the other just completed her freshman year, and I’m impressed every day at how they have turned out. They are the source of so much happiness for my wife and I.
Having said that, I understand that being a parent is not for everyone. Someone’s choices and reasons on whether to be a parent or not are entirely their own and it always bothers me when I see someone getting pestered about not having kids. To those of you on this forum that decided not to have kids, as well as to those that have, kudos to you for making the decision you feel is right for you.
5 Likes
I was just about to post the same sentiment.
I applaud people for making the decision that is right for them. Because no one else has to get up with screaming infants in the middle of the night. Or go on those last minute weekend get-aways.
I love my child-free friends. They remind me there is a big world outside of “kid stuff” and offer up just enough “WTF” to the things my kids say/do. 
1 Like
I never thought I’d marry let alone have kids. In fact I purposefully avoided both until I met the future Mrs. mck414 when I was 29.
My family (both sides) didn’t have the best track record in marriage, so I was soured on the idea. But here I am 26 years later, happily married.
As to the kids question. There are some health issues in my family (MD and depression) that have wreaked havoc over the last few generations. Those in my family that became afflicted knew they had one or the other by the time they hit 30 years old, so I figured when I was 30 and in the clear I was good to go. And the freshly anointed Mrs. mck414 wanted kids, so I felt the time was right.
I am sure I could’ve lived perfectly happy if we didn’t have kids, but I damn sure cannot imagine living without them now.
2 Likes
I didn’t intend to be this guy, but I kinda was when D’Kid was little
Also …
From the time I knew what having kids was, I knew I didn’t want any. In my 30s, I did a lot of thinking about whether I was willing to compromise for the sake of finding a partner. Luckily, I found a great woman who wanted kids even less than me. Every vacation we take, every Saturday we lie in bed, and every Thursday we don’t have to go to watch shitty baseball or soccer, we thank out stars for finding each other. We both like doing our own thing and know that we would resent having that interfered with. I get that we are the weird ones. I’m happy that the weird ones found each other.
4 Likes
No you’re not
The weird ones are those who have a bunch of children, only to raise them in a Christian Fundamentalist Cult somewhere
2 Likes
The shitty baseball comment made me laugh.
Nothing weird about that. I respect you far more than people that have kids and then complain constantly about how the kids interfere with things they want to do, or the lifestyle they once had.
2 Likes
You know, sorta like having this pop up on your apple watch and being unable to reach them for fifteen fucking minutes.
We’re in excellent company. Virtual high-five at ya. 
2 Likes
I don’t know that I ever really thought about it much. I think my wife at the time made the decision for us as far as timing, which makes sense.
I can’t really imagine my life without kids. Feels like it would have been a bit pointless and narcissistic to me. I’m already hoping I get to be an involved grandparent!
1 Like
I e watched more than my fair share of shitty soccer in a 40+ mph cold spring wind. It’s character building.
I did develop a great appreciation for the game by watching the girls develop from terrible to somewhat less terrible over the years. I also enjoy watching the highest levels of the game now which I never really cared for before watching my kids play.
I’m well past shitty any sports. (Thank you to my older son’s insane work ethic and the younger one’s natural athletic ability).
But bad baseball is especially hard to watch.
I don’t mind watching shitty sports, but I spend enough time outside that I’m crossing my fingers and praying my kids fall in love with indoor activities. Swimming, ballet, martial arts, music, I don’t care I’ll fund it!
1 Like
I read this as I’m returning from a very hot and humid indoor pool on a beautiful day… It’s a mixed bag.
1 Like