Why You Should Never Have A Child
Many joys come along with being a parent. From the moment you see your child’s face for the first time, to hearing their first words and watching them take their first steps, every day brings new happiness.
People have children for many different reasons. Some want to experience the joys of parenthood that they never had growing up. Others hope to create a close-knit family that will provide support and love throughout their lives. And some simply feel it’s their duty to continue the human race.
While these are valid reasons to reproduce, we simply cannot ignore the overwhelming evidence that having children isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. It could be the worst decision a person can make if they’re not prepared.
12 reasons why you shouldn’t have children
1. Children are expensive
There’s no getting around it – children are expensive. From the moment they’re born, you’re looking at hospital bills, doctor’s visits, immunizations, and all the baby gear you need to purchase.
As they get older, costs only go up. You have to pay for childcare, after-school activities, summer camp, and their education (if you want to send them to the best schools). And let’s not forget the cost of food, clothes, and all the other essentials they need.
According to a report from Investopedia, the average cost of raising a child from birth through age 18 is close to $300,000. And that’s not even taking into account the cost of college!
2. Children are time-consuming
Having a child is a huge time commitment. From the moment they’re born, you’re responsible for their every need. You have to feed them, change their diapers, bathe them, and put them to sleep.
As they get older, they still need your help and guidance, but they also require a lot of your time. You have to take them to and from school, help with homework, drive them to after-school activities, and be there for them when they need you.
3. Children are physically demanding
Caring for a child is not only time-consuming, but it’s also physically demanding. From carrying them around to chasing after them, you’re constantly on the go.
When they enter that toddler stage, they become more active and command even more of your time and energy. If you’re not prepared for this, you’ll quickly become overwhelmed.
4. You have to make sacrifices
Having a child means making sacrifices. You might have to give up your career, your social life, your sleep, and your independence. No more impromptu trips abroad, no more weekends spent sleeping in, and no more nights out with your friends.
You’ll also have to make sacrifices financially. You might have to put your plans to buy a house or a car on hold. Or you may have to give up that expensive vacation you’ve been dreaming of.
5. Your relationship might suffer
Having a child can put a strain on even the strongest of relationships. The demands of caring for a child are often too much for couples to handle, which can lead to resentment and conflict.
If you’re not on the same page with your partner about parenting, it can be even more difficult. You might find yourself arguing about discipline, bedtimes, and other important decisions.
What’s more, you could find that your sex life isn’t what it used to be, as you struggle to find the time, energy, or privacy.
6. You’ll constantly worry
The second you enter the realm of parenthood, be ready to incessantly worry about your child. You’ll constantly worry about their safety, their health, and their future, wherever they are, whatever they’re doing.
Even when they’re grown up and out of the house, you’ll still find yourself worrying about them. It’s just a part of being a parent.
7. You could be a terrible parent
Just because you want to have a child, doesn’t mean you’ll be good at it. Parenting is hard work and it’s not for everyone.
If you’re not patient, if you’re not kind, if you’re not able to sacrifice your own needs for the sake of your child, then you might not be cut out for it.
8. You might not bond with your child
It’s not uncommon for parents to not feel an immediate connection with their children. In fact, it can take weeks, months, or even years to develop a bond.
And in some cases, that bond is never formed. This can be due to a number of factors, such as postpartum depression, anxiety, or simply not being ready to be a parent.
9. You’ll struggle to find time for yourself
Having a child means putting their needs before your own. You’ll find yourself always busy with their care, leaving little to no time for yourself. You can kiss lie-ins and long baths goodbye!
As a result of this loss of time and freedom, you might start to feel trapped and suffocated, and before long, you could start resenting your child.
10. Having a child is a big responsibility
There is no greater responsibility than creating a brand new human being and raising them into a functioning member of society. It’s a lot of pressure; the world will hold you responsible for almost everything the child does or doesn’t do.
If you’re an irresponsible person, then having a child at this juncture in your life might not be the best idea.
11. Overpopulation
We live in a world of close to 8 billion people, and that number will only continue to grow. This puts a strain on resources like food, water, and shelter. It also contributes to climate change.
Overpopulation is a real problem, and by having a child, you’re only adding to it. If you’re concerned about this but still want a child, adoption is always an option.
12. There’s no going back
Having a child is a huge decision and it should not be made lightly. Once you’re a parent, there’s no going back.
If you find yourself regretting your decision to have them, and you end up wishing you could go back to the life you had before, you’ll have no choice but to suck it up and make the best of the situation.
Conclusion
The decision to have a child is a personal one that only you can make. You should weigh up all the pros and cons carefully before jumping into it, and consider whether or not being a parent fits into your lifestyle.
Children are a blessing to those who are ready for them, and a burden to those who aren’t. Your readiness to have them will affect every aspect of your child’s life, so make sure you’re absolutely certain before taking the plunge.
If you’re still on the fence, get yourself a pet! A cat or dog will give you a taste of what it’s like to be a parent, without the lifelong commitment.