Why I am not having kids (Addle-brained Lefty Alert)

Seattle Times ^ | January 30, 2013 | Sharon Pian Chan

[tom h]

My husband and I choose to be childless in Seattle, writes editorial columnist Sharon Pian Chan

My husband and I just ended our debate about having children. To breed or not to breed, this was the question...

We have decided we have other things to give to the world. We won’t be having kids. We choose to be childless in Seattle. ...

Feminism empowered women to talk about motherhood as a pursuit that deserves as much attention as men’s work. In the past 20 years, women have bravely spoken about struggles to conceive, which helped educate a generation about fertility. But society rarely hears from women who decide not to have kids.

“Do you have children?” My friend’s standard answer is, “No, and it’s not for medical reasons.” I’m cribbing it.

Will I regret it?

Probably sometimes. Just like parents sometimes regret their choice.

Would I have to sacrifice my career goals if we had a child? Probably. I’ve gone from believing I can do it all to believing that life is short. Saying no to some things allows me to say yes to others.

My husband could be the primary caregiver while I charge after my goals, but then he would have to say no to some of his goals.

Am I being selfish if I don't have children?

I’m selfish for not committing to my hypothetical child’s well-being. But I will have a lot more attention and money to shower on real-life nieces, nephews, mentees and philanthropic causes.

Also, not having a child is the most important thing I could do to reduce my carbon footprint, according to a 2009 study by Oregon State University statisticians. ...

[sergeantdave]

I celebrate Sharon Pian Chan’s decision not to reproduce neo-Nazi liberals. I’d sooner cut my plumbing off than stick my hose in her Nazi sewer pipe.

I wish Chan lonely days with no lovely children and an end of life when not a single person cares that she’s on the fast track to Satan’s realm.

Blow it out your ass, you left-wing twit. When the bullets start flying and you’re looking for a white knight to save your worthless Nazi ass, not a single person will think you’re worth the time.

Drop dead, witch.

[tbw2]

I am fine if she chooses not to have children IF she doesn’t demand that everyone else’s children and grandchildren pay for her retirement and end of life care.