Yea, yea; I get it. Kids are a blessing. They are bundles of joy as infants, and many people swear by the fulfillment they get from choosing to be parents.
But some of us are different.
Like many other people today, I don't want kids. And I am not ashamed to admit I took this unpopular route in life because I don't like kids.
There's nothing wrong with that. And I'm tired of having to keep explaining that to everybody.
Hopefully, to stop these pesky questions once and for all, here are a few more things you should know about people like me.
1. Just Because I Don't Want Kids, It Doesn't Mean I Don't Like Them
Before I go any further, let me say that I am not in this group. I am among the 'selfish' women who don't back common beliefs about kids being perfect and fulfilling.
Still, some people genuinely love kids but have none of their own. Personally, I don't like kids and all the chaos they cause wherever they go. Period.
2. You Can Say I'm Selfish If You Want
To me, a woman's purpose in this life is not to destroy her body and change her whole life-bearing and raise kids. I have other things I'd rather do.
The world already has enough people as it is. I think it's time some of us did without kids before things get completely out of control. You should thank people like me.
3. I Understand The Challenges Of Parenting
I have the utmost admiration for anyone who dedicates their life to raising a child. But I also understand how demanding this can be.
You have to sacrifice sleep, lots of finances, personal space, and freedom. And sometimes they don't even turn out to be as good as you'd expect them to be. I'm not willing to take the chance.
4. They Are Noisy, Demanding, Expensive, And Smelly
Before you say any 'buts', I am sure you can admit to each one of these things being true. Kids are usually mean and needy, and self-centered.
They are also noisy and messy, and once you get one, forget about a good night's sleep and peace of mind for a couple of years, if not more.
5. I Like To Travel
I suppose you can still travel even as a mom, but not as much as you might like. Once you are a parent, spontaneity is out of the question. You have to plan things out and pray that a million things fall into place before you can make a trip. And when you do, it is always about the kids. Always.
6. I've Had Enough Experience With Kids
When I was growing up, there were kids all around me. I was something of a parent to them well into my teenage years. I always had to be a good example and pick up after them. So, I think I have sacrificed enough for kids.
7. I Want A Life Of Freedom
I want to talk the way I want, wake up when I want, sleep when I want, travel when I feel like, cook, when I feel like… the list, goes on and on. With kids, it's about being a good mom, and that means losing all this freedom.
8. I'm Not Sold On The Rewards
Some people see raising kids as a reward, but I don't. There are things I find more rewarding, such as a life of freedom. Being called 'mom' countless times a minute doesn't count as a reward to me. And neither is cleaning messes around the home and not having enough time to spend with friends my age.
9. Having Kids Is As Traumatic As It Is Awesome
Being a mom has pros and cons. Bringing a new life into this world is a miracle, but the shocking changes to your life will be traumatic on some level. When I weighed, I decided against this common 'miracle.'