Not having kids

Being perfectly frank, I don't want kids.


No, I'm not a kid hater and throwing puppies off bridges is not one of my past times either. Heck, I even like (some) kids. Especially Elanor, who is currently a 22 month old, adorable as can be, smart, funny, and well behaved. She is also out going and intelligent: mostly due to her parents being good, intelligent, sensible people and her active life style requiring her to meet and be around a variety of people and situations (her parents own a mine open for tours). Believe me, I could keep going on about how great this kid is, but is the inspiration for reproduction seeded? No.

I am a graduate student, so would like to think of myself as fairly intelligent. I have a variety of friends, so would like to think of myself as well adjusted socially. I am within the BMI and live an active life style including running and weight lifting. In short, there is nothing particularly abnormal about me. Nor do I think that there is anything wrong with having or wanting kids for those who do. Reproduction is necessary for the species to survive, although it could use some controlling at this point. Self-regulated control would be for the best: people having the realization that the world is getting over populated and that quality is better than quantity in nations with high survival rates for infants.

Why not have kids? There are several articles exploring the issue (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65O53O20100625, http://www.newsweek.com/2008/06/28/having-kids-makes-you-happy.html, http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1642/more-women-without-children, http://www.slate.com/id/2259822) and more! Just try a Google search with some key words.

Does that mean if by accident I become pregnant that I will, hands down, have an abortion? No. I would simple have to re-asses at that time my current financial position, relationship, and all factors related to my life and if I (and my partner) would be capable of providing for another human being. I really don't know if I would have an abortion or not. I agree with the "Roe vs Wade" decision that a woman has a right to have an abortion if she so decides that would be best. Do I believe it is morally right? I really haven't decided yet. Do I also believe that whatever resolution I come to in the matter does not reflect others beliefs and that they still have the right even though I may disagree? Yes.

My personal reasons for not wanting a child include many facets of my life. I am currently still a student (although an older one) and would not have the time and resources for that type of commitment. I currently am not in a stable, long term relationship and might not have support of my current partner. When I do get a "real job", I will need time to start my full-time career and may be moving around a lot. I don't want to have to wake up at random time of the night to a crying baby nor deal with the issues of toddlers and teens. as I earn more income, I want to spend time doing things I couldn't do before like travel to exotic places, afford week long kayaking trips, or pick up a new hobby. I thoroughly believe that once some one, or a couple, besides to have a child, their own wants come second to whatever is best for the child.

Not having a child is not selfish, it is a responsible consideration of facts and life situations which would making rearing another human being an unwise choice for the individual(s) involved.