Anyone Regret Not Having Kids?

kNewc
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Edited Date/Time 6/3/2021 2:39am
Wife and I are in our early 30's and still don't know if we want kids or not. Sometimes she's baby crazy and other times she could see us having a dog and going on vacations all the time. I've never really wanted kids but I don't think it be the end of my world if we had one. We are both professionals with great careers so financially we are pretty much set either way, so money is also not really a large concern with having children.

So anyone later in life regretting not having kids? Any other opinions out there?
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Badoo
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Greeley, CO US
5/10/2021 12:54pm
No, but I CAN tell you about regrets about having them.
11
Hoseclamp
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OH US
5/10/2021 1:17pm
Sorry, no opinion but.... Kids are one of the biggest headaches in my life, but also one of the best things ever. It complicated and hard to explain. I would trust your gut feeling. Ive often times thought kids with "older" parents turned out better, maybe due to a more mature parenting style. I think early 30s youve still got time to think about it. Think hard though as you cant send them back and they dont come with instructions, Ive looked everywhere in the box they came in. Wink
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Badoo
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5/10/2021 1:25pm
^^^this. I was just kidding about regrets. My kids are everything to me, but I got a pretty late start at being a dad. Up until I was about 40 yrs old, I was content not having kids. My wife was baby crazy and my attempt to appease her with a rabbit failed. I was definitely better well equipped mentally and financially to deal with kids at the age I started at. But, there are times I wished I was a younger dad too.
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KMC440
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5/10/2021 1:58pm
Yes.

The Shop

Stuntman949
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5/10/2021 2:01pm
Fiance and I are late 20s. We are on the same page about not having kids. Hope to retire somewhat early and because of some family genetics on her side, its pretty dangerous for her to have a child.
crowe660
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5/10/2021 2:02pm
I had 2 in my 20’s, and at the time, I thought it was too soon. But when I hit my 30’s I realized I lucked out having them earlier. I have a lot of friends in their 40’s having kids, and I couldn’t imagine dealing with my 17yo daughter in my 50’s. Mid 30’s is a very responsible age to have kids and the age I’d pick if I did it over. Any older and I’d be sweating my wife getting that tight ass back.
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Falcon
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Menifee, CA US
5/10/2021 2:43pm
Kids are the best mistake you'll ever make. I have enjoyed my life exponentially more since I became a father, but they are no joke; it is a difficult rollercoaster.
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Deja New
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5/10/2021 2:51pm
47 here and have a 20 a 6 and a 3 year old so had the dirt at 27 and the last at 44. Found I could give the first more energy but the last two more values and care with age came a little maturity. For me they are the best thing ever wish I had more.
1
avidchimp
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5/10/2021 3:37pm
Had twins (boy and a girl) at 19. It was the worst thing you could imagine for a guy at that age but I wouldn't trade it for anything at this point. I'm now 47 and they are turning 27 in August.
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FLmxer
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Fantasy
5/10/2021 3:40pm
Do it. Thought for sure I was going to be punished for all my bad behavior when we had a girl at 20. My daughter just graduated from University and has been a pleasure the whole time. She is more than I could dream and makes us more proud than I thought possible every day. She has my wifes wonderful calm positive personality and she also charges life pretty hard. She is an amazing human. Some of my friends are not so lucky tho.
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5/10/2021 3:43pm
Bruh. My wife and I got a 2.5 year old and a 6 month old. We are 34.

You ain’t late to the party by any means! We felt same way you did few years ago !



Kids are tough. But they’re awesome when they’re awesome and they suck when they suck. I don’t think you’re ever ready for them. You just figure it out once they’re here!
20
Brad460
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Richfield, WI US
Fantasy
5/10/2021 4:10pm
At first I read the title wrong- thought you were asking who regrets having kids. I had a lot to say..

Anyways, agree with what Falcon said..

We have a 18 yr old and 6 yr old twins.
1
SEEMEFIRST
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Arlington, TX US
5/10/2021 4:15pm
Beautiful kids, Georgie!

And yes, parenthood is the only job you don't get the advantage of experience to get.

I have a 27, and a 25 year olds, and they couldn't be more different. Thankfully they became friends again as they aged, and they are really well attached.
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34moto894
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VA US
5/10/2021 4:33pm
if you wait till you're ready it'll never happen.
13
5/10/2021 5:24pm
Just remember, if you have buyers remorse, you have 3 days to bring em to the fire station. All kidding aside, it’s a good thing they have an age cut off for that or fire stations would be full of 3-4 year olds 😳😳😳
6
atc250r
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Walhalla, ND US
5/10/2021 6:58pm
I’m 43, and never wanted kids. GF and I have been together since 2006, and life is good without kids. Especially with the direction the world is going, I’m happy with the decision.
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Sully
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JP
5/10/2021 7:18pm
Falcon wrote:
Kids are the best mistake you'll ever make. I have enjoyed my life exponentially more since I became a father, but they are no joke; it...
Kids are the best mistake you'll ever make. I have enjoyed my life exponentially more since I became a father, but they are no joke; it is a difficult rollercoaster.
I'll echo Falcon x1million, however, I'll also say don't have kids because of outside pressure (i.e. your mother/mother-in-law leaning on you, etc.). That's not fair to you, or anything the kid(s) deserve(s).
1
Chance1216
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5/10/2021 7:27pm
I have two step kids. A 26 year old daughter and 23 year old son. I’ve been around since the boy was 1. My wife got sick at one point so, kids between us were no longer an option. Regardless, I consider these kids mine. It’s not easy. It requires way more patience then I could’ve imagined. Especially since they’re now adults who know everything. But, no regrets (most of the time) 😉.
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TXDirt
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5/10/2021 8:14pm Edited Date/Time 5/10/2021 8:16pm
Four kids here. No regrets! We would have more but my wife had complications with the last two.

Kids are awesome man! I couldn’t even imagine my life without them. I’m 40yo and my youngest is four.

When we are away from our kids on a date night or maybe a short husband/wife vacation we always talk about how we miss them and can’t wait to get back to them.

It may sound corny or cheesy but my family is my reason for being. They are my life and I’m so very grateful for my kids and my wife.

Yeah, there are tough times, and raising kids isn’t a picnic. But that’s what makes the other days so awesome!

One thing I love to do is create memories and experiences. Disney World. Camping. Vacations. I’ve done all of those things as a kid growing up, just me and my wife, and now with my own kids, and I can tell you without a doubt they are 1000x more fulfilling when you are doing it with your kids and you are giving them memories that will last a lifetime.

Easy? No. Not always.

I’ve been fishing a ton of times in my life. One of my favorite things to do. You know what’s totally awesome? Watching my kids fish. There is just something so fulfilling to see others experience life.

Rambling here but those with kids will understand what I’m getting at.

Another stupid example: I can go buy myself any knife I want. And I have several. And I enjoy buying them. But what’s even better is taking my sons somewhere and they get to pick out their own knife. And hearing them describe why they like it. What they can wiittle with it. And on and on. Something just as simple as that far surpasses any please I get from buying my own new knife.

Hope that makes sense.

When it comes to raising kids the days can be long but the years are short. Very short.

No regrets!
14
sumdood
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Fantasy
5/11/2021 12:43am
My wife was told she couldn’t have kids because she only had 1 ovary or something I forget. Then she became pregnant, we had a daughter, then 3 years later had a son. Now they’re 29 and 32, we have a 15 month old grand daughter and another due in July. When we thought we couldn’t have kids we were ok with it, we talked about maybe adopting “Someday” but we’re never really serious because like 34moto894 said it never seems like the “right” time. Then when she got pregnant it was game on ready or not. Now at 62 ? I couldn’t imagine not having them, we went through some tough times where I think the kids actually kept us together, like a reason we “had” to stay together. Could we have done more traveling ? Sure of course we could have, would life have been “easier” ? probably, financially for sure it would have. But looking back it really became sort of our reason for being, I wouldn’t trade those little fuckers for anything Laughing So I can’t answer your question about not having kids and regretting it, because I’m not in that situation. But (IMO) if the stars line up and you do wind up having a kid, or more than one kid, you will never regret it. Don’t know if that helps or not.
4
Deja New
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AU
5/11/2021 1:52am
Update on the last post…. So the Peter the 6 year old has a bowl of ice cream and is all hyped up on frozen sugar. I’m off to the shower I tell him finish the bowl and put it away. I head to the shower and the missus goes to the laundry.

He leaves the bowl on the lounge and decided to wrestle with Tommy the 3 year old…… I hear screaming and him yelling there’s blood!!!!! I get out the shower wife comes running and Tommy tucker the little fucker has a gash on his head that needs stitches…. So I get the first aid but we are all out of super glue. I get in the car do a 30 minute round trip and patch the little camper up like a pro…



Get a message from Peters school he was not looking where he was going and has a googlly egg on his noggin….. karmas a bitch and being a patent has its highs n lows but damn I wouldn’t have it any other way…..

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1
kNewc
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5/11/2021 7:38am Edited Date/Time 5/11/2021 7:43am
TXDirt wrote:
Four kids here. No regrets! We would have more but my wife had complications with the last two. Kids are awesome man! I couldn’t even imagine...
Four kids here. No regrets! We would have more but my wife had complications with the last two.

Kids are awesome man! I couldn’t even imagine my life without them. I’m 40yo and my youngest is four.

When we are away from our kids on a date night or maybe a short husband/wife vacation we always talk about how we miss them and can’t wait to get back to them.

It may sound corny or cheesy but my family is my reason for being. They are my life and I’m so very grateful for my kids and my wife.

Yeah, there are tough times, and raising kids isn’t a picnic. But that’s what makes the other days so awesome!

One thing I love to do is create memories and experiences. Disney World. Camping. Vacations. I’ve done all of those things as a kid growing up, just me and my wife, and now with my own kids, and I can tell you without a doubt they are 1000x more fulfilling when you are doing it with your kids and you are giving them memories that will last a lifetime.

Easy? No. Not always.

I’ve been fishing a ton of times in my life. One of my favorite things to do. You know what’s totally awesome? Watching my kids fish. There is just something so fulfilling to see others experience life.

Rambling here but those with kids will understand what I’m getting at.

Another stupid example: I can go buy myself any knife I want. And I have several. And I enjoy buying them. But what’s even better is taking my sons somewhere and they get to pick out their own knife. And hearing them describe why they like it. What they can wiittle with it. And on and on. Something just as simple as that far surpasses any please I get from buying my own new knife.

Hope that makes sense.

When it comes to raising kids the days can be long but the years are short. Very short.

No regrets!
I was talking to my wife about this and it's something I wish I could relate to. Growing up I never went on cool vacations or really got along with my Dad that well. Not that we didn't have the same interests, he just wasn't the nicest person to me at times. Money and other things were put before me quite often. So it's hard to feel like I would be a good Dad since I don't have much to relate to. Also we are trying to "catch me up" to childhood vacations. Trying to go to Florida for the first time this year. Trying to get out of state more lol. Wife is finally out of school working full time so we are finally sort of planning out our lives.
kNewc
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5/11/2021 7:43am
KMC440 wrote:
Yes.
Care to explain further? If you don't mind sharing your age or if you're married that would help too.
1
sumdood
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Fantasy
5/11/2021 9:42am
kNewc wrote:
I was talking to my wife about this and it's something I wish I could relate to. Growing up I never went on cool vacations or...
I was talking to my wife about this and it's something I wish I could relate to. Growing up I never went on cool vacations or really got along with my Dad that well. Not that we didn't have the same interests, he just wasn't the nicest person to me at times. Money and other things were put before me quite often. So it's hard to feel like I would be a good Dad since I don't have much to relate to. Also we are trying to "catch me up" to childhood vacations. Trying to go to Florida for the first time this year. Trying to get out of state more lol. Wife is finally out of school working full time so we are finally sort of planning out our lives.
Actually you'd probably be an awesome Dad because you'll be bound and determined to not be like your Dad,
10
Chance1216
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Carson, CA US
5/11/2021 9:47am
kNewc wrote:
I was talking to my wife about this and it's something I wish I could relate to. Growing up I never went on cool vacations or...
I was talking to my wife about this and it's something I wish I could relate to. Growing up I never went on cool vacations or really got along with my Dad that well. Not that we didn't have the same interests, he just wasn't the nicest person to me at times. Money and other things were put before me quite often. So it's hard to feel like I would be a good Dad since I don't have much to relate to. Also we are trying to "catch me up" to childhood vacations. Trying to go to Florida for the first time this year. Trying to get out of state more lol. Wife is finally out of school working full time so we are finally sort of planning out our lives.
sumdood wrote:
Actually you'd probably be an awesome Dad because you'll be bound and determined to not be like your Dad,
He knows what exactly not to do.
7
peltier626
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LA US
5/11/2021 10:46am Edited Date/Time 5/11/2021 10:47am
It's the toughest most fulfilling responsibility another human can have. The emotions experienced prior to having a kid are mediocre in comparison to what is experienced as being a parent, both highs and lows.The love and pride experienced is euphoric at times. Also can't stand the lil man at times. It's quite the experience. And the most difficult job one can have. I have never second guessed myself and actions prior to parenting. You will instinctively know if its the right thing for you. Me and my wife were in our early thirties before we had kids and had been together since high school. It will teach you what the word selfless means.
5
KMC440
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US
5/11/2021 2:17pm Edited Date/Time 5/11/2021 10:42pm
KMC440 wrote:
Yes.
kNewc wrote:
Care to explain further? If you don't mind sharing your age or if you're married that would help too.
57 ... timing of relationships just didn't work out. Helped ex-wife raise her two girls for 5 years(was 25 when we met) she needed hysterectomy 2 years later so we got married (insurance needed for her)a half year early. Divorced after 3rd year. Then relationships came and went but nothing stuck. By then I was in my 40's and that was it. Helped raise last lady friends grand daughters from 2 days old(7 last week and 12 next month) none are "mine" and they're drifting away so just keep on keepin on.
There ya go ... no cry'n just not what the Lord had planned for me.

Going prison penpaling or Russian bride for next lady. 👍😉
6
Deja New
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AU
5/11/2021 2:54pm
KMC440 wrote:
Yes.
kNewc wrote:
Care to explain further? If you don't mind sharing your age or if you're married that would help too.
KMC440 wrote:
57 ... timing of relationships just didn't work out. Helped ex-wife raise her two girls for 5 years(was 25 when we met) she needed hysterectomy 2...
57 ... timing of relationships just didn't work out. Helped ex-wife raise her two girls for 5 years(was 25 when we met) she needed hysterectomy 2 years later so we got married (insurance needed for her)a half year early. Divorced after 3rd year. Then relationships came and went but nothing stuck. By then I was in my 40's and that was it. Helped raise last lady friends grand daughters from 2 days old(7 last week and 12 next month) none are "mine" and they're drifting away so just keep on keepin on.
There ya go ... no cry'n just not what the Lord had planned for me.

Going prison penpaling or Russian bride for next lady. 👍😉
Mate I hope you find some to share your life with Smile
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