I would recommend reading the Baby decision to people.
It’s a very open minded examination, despite what the title might implicate also very open and supportive for childless/childfree mindset. Even touches topics like, just because you like kids, doesn’t mean you have to have them, you can teach, volunteer for after school activities, etc.
I think the single most important take away from it is that whether you decide to have kid(s) or not, you give something up.
You also have to go into it responsibly and it’s also okay to reevaluate as you go along, e.g. just because you wanted 3 kids before getting married, doesn’t mean you can’t take a moment to reevaluate after the first if you still want that.
Even touches topics like, just because you like kids, doesn’t mean you have to have them, you can teach, volunteer for after school activities, etc.
Plus parenting is a lifelong role. Your kids are gonna be 50 one day, and you’ll probably be alive for that.
Personally, I’ve never liked children (the age group), but I have always admired some of my friends’ relationships with their parents, and have always wanted adult children (that is, the relationship) of my own, so I had kids. And although my kids are pretty cool, I still mostly think other people’s kids are annoying, and have only softened my views on that front a little bit.
I would recommend reading the Baby decision to people. It’s a very open minded examination, despite what the title might implicate also very open and supportive for childless/childfree mindset. Even touches topics like, just because you like kids, doesn’t mean you have to have them, you can teach, volunteer for after school activities, etc.
I think the single most important take away from it is that whether you decide to have kid(s) or not, you give something up.
You also have to go into it responsibly and it’s also okay to reevaluate as you go along, e.g. just because you wanted 3 kids before getting married, doesn’t mean you can’t take a moment to reevaluate after the first if you still want that.
Plus parenting is a lifelong role. Your kids are gonna be 50 one day, and you’ll probably be alive for that.
Personally, I’ve never liked children (the age group), but I have always admired some of my friends’ relationships with their parents, and have always wanted adult children (that is, the relationship) of my own, so I had kids. And although my kids are pretty cool, I still mostly think other people’s kids are annoying, and have only softened my views on that front a little bit.