Two patterns we’ve noticed in recent years: one, more and more people are choosing not to have children, and two, more and more people are choosing to be outraged over the decision(s) of other people. A majority of Americans still have or want kids, but a recent study found that 44% of American non-parents aged 18 – 49 say it’s not too likely or not at all likely that they will have children one day. Here are just a few reasons people are opting out of parenthood:
0% Interest
To put it frankly, some people just don’t want kids, plain and simple. Just like some people feel they were put on this Earth to be parents, some people feel the opposite, and that’s okay.
Career Focused
Some people have devoted their entire life to their careers whether that’s an education leading up to the career or the promotions available in their field. Either way, the world needs people that are devoted to the things they feel passionate about.
Because Science
Just in case you’ve been living under a rock recently, the environment has had better days, weeks, months, years, etc. Some people are opting out of parenthood because who wants to bring a kid into a world with pollution, melting ice caps, and outta this world weather?
All the World’s a Dumpster Fire
And speaking of the world we live in, have you noticed the last several years have been described as “unprecedented” times? We can only speak for ourselves, but given the choice, we would rather have a family during precedented times. That being said, another big reason people are opting out of parenthood is the state of the world.
Wanderlust
Traveling is to some folks as having kids is to other folks. We aren’t saying traveling with kids is impossible, but it does certainly change the vibe, so much so that the desire to travel is another reason people are passing on parenthood.
Livin’ Life
Whether it’s work, money, or just simply priorities, sometimes people just don’t have a lifestyle they feel comfortable bringing a kiddo into.
Here’s the thing: we can’t imagine how many humans would be suffering if people had kids and didn’t want them. Something we find absolutely fascinating about it all is the psychology behind it all. A number of people consider it selfish and irresponsible to opt out of having children, but isn’t it quite the contrary? Recognizing the reason or reasons as to why a person wants or doesn’t want to have kiddos sounds like, really responsible to us. Either way, the choice is deeply personal and should never require an explanation.