Why don't you want to have children?

I think it is no ones business but I am sure I could come up with a snappy response. Something like "I have noticed stupidity is inherited and didn't want to take any chances" or something like that!!

I think that it isn't anybody else's business.

I also think that nobody has to encourage you to have children and that it is only our own business. Personally I consider that children are starting to become interesting when they are over 18 or 20, but it is also the moment where they decide to leave their parents, so you worked 20 years for nothing.

I completely agree - it's a very intrusive question, and I don't blame you for being annoyed.

Yeh, and frankly, though I understand why people ask it, I tend to think it is somewhat insensative-like, what if there was a medical reason? Or what if the person has had difficulties re. marriage etc., in some cases people have tried to have children, and were unable, or some have gone through very difficult relationships where they felt betrayed etc. Sometimes it is an innocent question, but in some cases, people are simply curious/nosey/actually don't care, they simply want to know because they want to know-one of the first things I learnt re. pastoral care was to be careful re. asking those questions, because sometimes it is painful for people, or humiliating and I literally have seen people who were so depressed because they felt rejected that to them the question is almost like someone saying "You're single, what is wrong with you?"...that may not be the intent of the question, but sometimes it is what ppl are feeling.

Well, now you've sparked my curiosity. Why don't you want to have children? I have an aunt and uncle who chose not to have children. They just didn't wanna. I have a friend who can't have children. She and her husband adopted one child and now they get "harassed" as to when they're going to adopt more. And then there's me...hubby and I have 6 wonderful kiddos and am open to more. You can imagine the comments I get. No matter where you are in life, people are going to ask questions: When are you going to get a job? When are you going to get married? Who are you voting for? Do you have a soul? (Oh wait, that only applies to us redheads. Sorry.) On a side note, you could always have business cards printed with a witty answer as to why you don't want kids. Then you won't have to waste your breath. Just smile and pass the card over.

Lol

I admire people who think things through and make a decision, better than letting nature take its course and living to regret it. Having children does not suit everyone and as we live in an age of choice they do not have to go with the crowd, they can choose to be different and live their lives as they please.

Pregnant women are sexy. And families are fun to have at times. They aren't for everyone of course. Do what you want to do!

I get it from time to time, or being told I should have problem, I usually go for a vague I've not thought about it.

I don't think people should ask the question for starters. Even if they are friends. Of course, it would be tempting to say 'after seeing yours...' Just joking! I guess you could just say 'why do you won't children?' Do you have a cat or a dog? How about 'cats/dogs are cheaper to raise and don't live as long'. Maybe someone else will have a good comeback answer for you. Have just read the comments and there ARE some good suggestions. Have a great day.

I've never had children of my own. Long story, but I never really regretted my decision. When I met my husband, he was a lot younger than I was, so we did have to have that very serious discussion. I didn't want him to regret marrying me and not having children. But he was always very good about that. Of course, now that I'm older and I see my friends with their grandchildren and here I am all alone, I sometimes wish I'd had even one child so I could have grandchildren today. But then again, my sister had 4 children and none of them are having babies. We all need to make decisions we truly believe are best. Everyone doesn't fit in the same box. :)

Well, some people could be so inconsiderate, not thinking they can hurt feelings by asking or giving unsolicited advice. It's your decision and it is your life. Or maybe they care a lot about you and wanted to see you happy with your own children?

That is really disturbing. It's sad how the world still sees a woman as some reproductive unit. And the overrated motherhood? Well that's how patriarchy works! You are made to believe that you love it, even if you don't!

Whether one wants or does not want, can have or cannot have children is no business of mine. It is their business. I'm glad I had 2 children and 2 step-children and that's my business. I remember once a barber asking me how many times I made love to my wife. Incredible!

I got pregnant for the first time unexpectedly so it's really not a matter of choice for me. I have never regretted that I gave life to four kids, I love them more than my own life. Though I must admit that there were times that I would think what if I am still single. That would be nice because I get to enjoy the things that I can no longer enjoy now because of my responsibilities. But then again, I'd think that I'm too hot not to have kids LOL. If I hadn't given birth at the age of 22, I'd still be a mom by 23...so it's really fate, you know (that men just wouldn't leave me alone LOL). But no, I'm not questioning you why you still don't have kids. I suggest that before having kids, you should be prepared in all aspects. And I mean ALL aspects. That's so you can enjoy motherhood more.

As others have said, your decision not to have children is no one's business but your own. Those intrusive enough to ask about it may or maynot mean well, but they're still being intrusive. When I was younger, I put off having children because I simply couldn't afford it. And I wanted to make reasonably sure I'd found a father who'd stick around and help me raise them. My husband and I met when we were both in our 40s, a bit late to plan a family. He'd never had children either. If we'd met sooner, we would have had children, but it's too late now. In that respect, I regret not having children, but I don't regret not having brought any into the world when I couldn't care for them.

Thank you. Before Mike and I married I was up front with him about me not wanting kids. A lot of it comes from my own childhood abuse. I didn't want to bring another human being into the world and hurt it the way that I was. He was okay with that. We decided if God wanted us to have one we would other wise we wouldn't be upset if we didn't. I went through that time where that question was asked. Like you trying to come up with a diplomatic answer of it's none of your business. It's a personal choice just as having kids is a personal choice. Have a blessed day.

You know me and my answer. People say have your views and respect others. LOL But not all follow through! I am one of those who wants children but with a RIGHT person. Else no kids for me. That's I am decided on. I may or may not look into adoption too. But I do understand why one wouldn't want kids too. Kids aren't something to be taken lightly. Just like marriage. Ask them next time what if you did have kids and ended up resenting them later? Would they take responsibility? Tell them if they are ready to sign up for it, you may look into it... Enlist all the responsibilities in DETAIL. They will run away for sure! Those people just need to shut up! Gosh! I am tired of hearing the question "When are you getting married?" I have many not so nice replies to that ..

You choose what you want...