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We told our parents, both sets, 37 years ago that we would not discuss children with them since it was our decision alone and if any pressure was applied, we would stop talking with them. Worked. We never had any kids, now retired and do not regret it.
Location: Visitation between Wal-Mart & Home Depot
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thepinksquid
As an only child that does not want kids, I personally don't feel its my obligation to provide my parents grandchildren, no matter how much they may wish to have them. But...what does everyone think? I know this isn't a completely infrequent phenomenon, but sometimes I can't help like society makes me feel like I'm an a$$hole because I don't wish to have kids, and since I'm an only child, I'm preventing my parents from being grandparents.
What does everyone think?
If you don't want kids I think you could guarantee yourself a truly miserable and tragic parenting experience by having children out of some sense of duty to your parents as well as completely wrecking any chance of a civil, normal, pleasant relationship with them.
That would be really insane.
Guilt is never going to be a good reason for children.
The pressure on the only child is definitely there, even if unspoken. My questions is, why the parents, if otherwise capable of child-bearing themselves, would give birth to only one child? If they gave themselves permission to have as less kids as possible, they shouldn't begrudge others (as in, their own kid), to also trying to have as less kids as possible.
(Sorry I couldn't resist)
There have been threads when I have wanted to comment on whether people should have kids or not but I held my tongue. I figured here that the OP would not get offended (too much anyway) by my tongue in cheek comment.
(Sorry I couldn't resist)
There have been threads when I have wanted to comment on whether people should have kids or not but I held my tongue. I figured here that the OP would not get offended (too much anyway) by my tongue in cheek comment.
Offended? No, I agree 100%.
The reason I made this thread was mostly just to see if anyone would disagree, to be honest. In my own life I'm not too fazed with "disappointing" my parents with my lack of desire to have kids.
No, you do not "owe" anyone children. Not everyone wants that type of life. Do not feel bad, guilty or whatever. It is your choice.
Do your thing and be happy !!
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