Are You Glad You Had Children?

As someone who has chosen a childfree lifestyle, the question of whether or not one should have children often arises. Here, I reflect on my own path, balancing the benefits and challenges of having kids versus the freedom of being childfree.

Childfree Lifestyle

At 13, I made the decision to live a childfree lifestyle, and at 68, I remain single and childfree, but I am quite happy about it. I have no plans to have children and have retired, living on a modest retirement benefit. This choice has allowed me to avoid the responsibilities of being a babysitter for other people's children, which I have no desire to repeat.

I raised my younger siblings, an experience I do not regret, but it is not one I wish to repeat. My family structure allowed me to focus on them and ensure they received the basics of life: food, clothing, shelter, and education. By the time I could afford to have children, I had already chosen not to have any. Working long hours to provide for my siblings and later for my children, I have always been driven by the need to make good choices for those I care about.

Parenting and Challenges

I am glad I was able to have children and provide for them. Balancing work and home life has required a significant amount of effort and sacrifice. Economics was a major factor in the decision to have just two children, who were born ten years apart. Fearing that my kids would go without, I worked hard to ensure they had what they needed.

My children are now self-reliant, strong, and healthy. While they both work and strive for their best, they also possess kind hearts and are willing to help others. I am proud of them and recognize that money is essential for survival. To earn money, one must work, and I have used various methods to prevent pregnancy, including medication prescribed by doctors, which has had adverse side effects.

I believe in preventing potential tragedies rather than ending an unborn life. I am against the conception of a child that could face significant health risks. It is crucial for Congress to prioritize the availability of birth control to prevent similar situations.

Parental Goals and Concerns

Every parent hopes for their child to grow up healthy, talented, and independent. Watching my children grow and thrive has been an amazing experience. They are now adults and leading their own lives, though they are still close to me.

Looking back, I wish I had waited until I was in my 40s to get married to a man in his 60s before having a family. Younger men, in my experience, can be foolish and selfish, denying their children the time and attention they need. At my age, however, I no longer think about these matters frequently. My wife's insistence on adopting a child is part of her plan, and I cannot ignore her wishes.

While I do not pretend to fully care about the child, I do take an interest in its well-being. My wife has been pushing this idea, so I am keeping an eye on the situation, hoping for the best.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to have children is a deeply personal choice that involves considering numerous aspects of life. While I am happy to be childfree, I also recognize the pride I feel in my children's achievements. Whether you are childfree or parent to a family, the journey is unique and filled with challenges and rewards. What matters most is that we take the steps we believe are best for us and the ones we love.