For centuries, it’s been the societal expectation in most places that a young woman will get married and have kids, then spend her days at home caring for her brood. But that whole barefoot-and-pregnant thing—well, that’s in the past for many women. Gone are the days of diapers and dishes unless a woman chooses them, and many women these days are not choosing them. And you know what? It’s totally okay. If you’re feeling pressured by society, friends, and/or family to start a family of your own, know that you and you alone are the one who gets to make the decision—and be comfortable with it. Here are some reasons you might choose not to bring a little one into the world.
5 Reasons Not to Have Kids
1. You’re Dedicated to Something Else
Traveling the world? Working overseas? Volunteering in the depths of Africa? If you’re dedicated to something other than starting a family, that’s okay. There are times when having a child doesn’t make sense, and this might just be one of them. It’s kind of hard to lug a baby around to see all the sights of the world.
2. You’re Not Ready
Whether you’re just out of college or older, you may just not be ready for a family. And that’s perfectly okay! If you have a baby before you’re ready, a lot of negative feelings can come from that. Better to wait until you’re good and ready, if in fact you do want to have a baby at all.
3. You Just Can’t
So, not every woman can actually have a child. Society in general is very insensitive to this fact, and it’s time that changed. Do you know how hurtful it is to be asked when you’re going to have a baby when you might want one and can’t get pregnant? Yeah, not cool, people. Not cool.
4. You Want to Focus on Your Career
You probably know that many women—like Oprah—have successful careers and don’t have kids. Maybe the biggest reason they are so successful is that they didn’t have kids. Not having kids allowed these women to focus on their careers and become who they are today. No regrets, ladies. No regrets.
5. You Don’t Like Them
This reason tends to make people uncomfortable, but if you don’t enjoy those little munchkins’ antics or dirty hands, that’s okay. Besides, having a kid when you don’t want one doesn’t a happy family make. It’s probably best to get a dog instead and let your family know that the only baby you’ll be having is the furry kind.
Standing Firm in Your Decision
If you get a lot of flak from people on your decision, don’t let it bother you too much. Some people can’t fathom not procreating; it’s just their way. But your choice has to be for you. If you’re the one who would be raising the child, you need to be all-in. Regrets are no fun, so chase that career or those dreams and let go of the guilt. It’s okay for your life to be focused on you.
