[OldPossum]

But what would life be without them?

This may come as a shock to you and others but life without them can be pretty nice.

I decided at around age 18 (really and this may not be unusual for males) that I didn't want children and followed through. Today, I'm an old man, financially secure, largely due to not having to pay for the support of children through the years, and especially their higher education costs, and content with my situation. My wife of 35 years, our beloved dogs, and I live in a nice house situated in 23 acres of woodland.

And you know what? I don't think that I missed a thing.

[durasell]

Don't sweat it. Most people just pay lip service to the joy of kids.

[Hildy]

I'm with you, OldPossum...in fact, I believe some of my friends are quite jealous of our happy life without children. Now, I'm not saying that having children is bad...I'm saying it's not for everyone and there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with that.

[television is just wrong]

happy for you. maybe it was best your gene pool dies out?

[bella1]

"And you know what? I don't think that I missed a thing."

And when you and your wife die, you genes die with you. The world will never have anyone that came from you.

[CindyDawg]

There is nothing wrong with deciding not to have kids but how can you say you haven't missed out on something, if you don't know what it's like? Sometimes , I felt like I missed out on the fun of going off to a university . (I married young and finished school at local colleges). When it came down to making a choice though, I chose not to go to medical school and never regretted it. Sometimes, honestly though, I think I would have finished school first if I had it to do all over again because life was very hard but knowing what I know, there is no way I would not have wanted children. If I hadn't though then I would probably also be saying , "I didn't miss anything" because I wouldn't have known what it was like.

[TYVets]

To each his/her own.

[LexBaird]

And you know what? I don't think that I missed a thing.

You did. You'll just never know what.

[jeffy]

When I come home from work each day, my 9 year old daughter comes running up to me yelling "daddy, daddy" and gives me a big hug and a kiss. I don't think there can be any greater joy in life than a hug from your child. I get such a kick out of all the crazy questions she asks me about different things, and just watching her learn and grow. I waited until I was in my mid 30's to have a child. I was able to have a lot of fun being single and childless early on and now I treasure every moment I spend with her. I think I have had the best of both worlds.

[kcvl]

With six nephews we haven't missed a thing either.

We can have all the fun we want with them and our dogs, not to mention all the neighbor's and friend's children. I really don't care what people think of us not having children. It's none of their business.



Besides, some of the parents that I know should have thought about having children a little longer, IMO. I can't believe how many ignore their own kids. The kids might as well be raising themselves.

[Theophilus]

And you know what? I don't think that I missed a thing.

As a father of eight, I can say that I know you've missed a lot! A lot of dirty diapers, sleepless nights, broken and lost property, bickering, smart mouth, frustrated wife ...and the list goes on and on... to include the kind of love, fun and joy that you can only get from your own kids. I'm sure my wife and I have missed a lot of quiet mornings, interesting hobbies, peaceful nights, exiting trips etc. It's nice to know that you're truly content...

...and that we'd never trade places, and that we both can feel good about that.