BellaOnline Forums Relationships Married No Kids Why is being childless by choice such a hot topic?

Hey, we guys get this jabbed at us too.
I was reading a while back on msn or netscape's home page something about how you must accomplish this "list" of things to become a true adult.
Some of which were:
completing high school and/or college....
moving out of the parent's house...
getting a job and becomming self sufficient...
getting married...
and also ..... becomming a parent!! [???]
Imagine that, you aren't an adult until you procreate!

How about this instead - a true, mature, adult would be able to decide if bringing another human being into the world is right for him/her ,and - be able to care, support, and devote the required time to it.
That is the defining point here. We are thinking, mature adults. Not a Nike product with the attitude of "just do it".

Does a childless woman get more comments from women or men? Are men also concerned about the freedom of choice exercised by a woman to remain childless?

[color:"darkgreen"] I've seen plenty of parents with kids be very immature. They can't pay their bills, hold down a job, and even mooch off us taxpayers. (Welfare) So no, having kids does *NOT* make you an adult. By the way, Microsoft Internet Explorer is a very breederific website. Just F.Y.I. [/color] <img src="/images/graemlins/irish.gif" alt="" />

[color:"darkgreen"] I get comments from women, more than men. [/color] <img src="/images/graemlins/irish.gif" alt="" />

[color:"purple"] [/color] Hi am new to the forum and so excited that I finally have a form of support. While I was waiting for my sign-in info. to register, I took some time to read a lot of the posts. There are some great conversations going on here! I love that it's multi-national as well.

I know it's been said numerous times here, but I've never been able to say to people who feel the same way. I am so tired of being looked at like a freak for not wanting children. I get the stranges comments. While on a business trip and man noticed that my last name is hyphenated on my business card. He said, "well what are you going to do about your children's name" as if that is any of his business in any setting let alone in a professional one. All of my friends are starting to have kids or talking about and I know they will slowly start to drop off. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

So here I am, anxious to start talking with other childfree folks! <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Those who decide to do something against the accpted social norms, must expect some comments. But that should not matter to those who have chosen to walk on a road that is not very crowded.

[color:"darkgreen"] Welcome, independent woman. Usually if someone is going to make a snide remark at me, I just igore than. They are ignorant. Not worth my time or worry.

Beside that point, this is a very wonderful wesite, and especially this board, marriednokids. I thank KimKenny for it. It is truely wonderful. [/color] <img src="/images/graemlins/irish.gif" alt="" />

I have to share what some idiot woman said to me.

"Why did you get married if you don't want kids? What's the point?"

Ummm, how about I love my husband with all my heart and soul and want to spend the rest of my life with him!! Why do you think the only purpose of marriage is to have kids? Silly me, I thought it was about love and committment and wanting to share your life with someone.

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Heather 9101-

I wish I could say "unbelievable!" But...I have learned that people never cease to amaze you! I had a friend tell me she wanted kids because it would get boring just being married! That sounds like a fabulous reason to have children. I see more marriages weakened or broken up through the stress of having kids more than streghthening a couple. I don't need any more obstacles than we already face.

What was your response to her...if any?

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