Scenario: A man & woman have been going together for quite sometime, and during the course of their relationship, the topic of children come up. At first, both are in agreement to have children, but discover although no medical conditions run on both sides of the family, they're content spending the rest of their lives together childless. Both don't want the responsibility of parenthood. Is this wrong?
My View: Not at all. Not everyone is cut out for parenthood, and that's ok. Parenthood involves maturity & sacrifice, something many people lack. If you're not ready to put your dreams on hold for your child(ren), you shouldn't create children. I look at some children today and my heart hurts for them; their parents don't care who they're with or what they're doing, parents are too busy trying to be their child's friend instead of giving them guidance. How can a parent leave their child(ren) with grandma while (s)he goes out for a good time? That's silly. Yes, parents need a night out every now & then, but when a child's on the scene, fun goes out the window. The bulk of your time is spent nurturing that child so that one day, they leave the nest and make their mark in the world. Some couples look forward to coming home to each other daily, and many times kids get in the way of that. It takes a special couple to want children, and some people aren't cut out for parenthood. Deadbeat parents are proof that some people don't deserve children. People bring children into this world, and don't know anything about the child(ren); that's crazy to me. Some parents aren't involved in their child's life, but are quick to discipline when the kid gets out of line. There's a time for discipline, and time for guidance. Let's be honest, children are expensive. There's health care, education, extracurricular activities, etc. You're taking care of a child for the 18-year minimum (barring special needs). It used to be surefire your child(ren) would come out healthy, but with so many children being born with genetic disorders, I can understand many parents being reluctant to birth children. Do I have the patience to care for a child with a disability? Will I be able to advocate for a special needs child? Those are thoughts that run through every parent's mind. Just because genetic disorders aren't prevalent in many families, that doesn't always mean a child will be born healthy. There have been cases where perfectly healthy parents gave birth to a child with a disability. You never know what neurological conditions a child may be born with. Parenthood is a challenge that many people don't want, and that's ok. At least some couples are straight up with not wanting children, and if you're with someone who doesn't want children (but you do), either break up or try and come to some agreement. Life is too short to waste time with someone you're not on the same page with.
