Will I save a lot of money by NOT having kids?

[PrincessPerky]

If you says you dont want children that means you are disobeying Gods commandment he says in genesis go and multiply and replainish the earth, so i dont see the reason why you not want to have children. think well

I think we as a race have managed to be fruitful and multiply to a GREAT extent...now is not the time to have kids out of duty to God! Not to mention God made plenty of folk infertile....He must have had a reason.

To the OP and anyone else choosing not to have kids (or simply having that choice made for them) please do not let other religious beliefs make you feel bad about your choice, God loves variety in both actions and looks. (how could He not, look at all the different kinds of insects!)

There are many many ways to make a difference in a child's life, bearing one is not the only way.

[cschin4]

It really depends on your view of life and what you want. I personally would have felt that my life was unfullfilled if I didn't have children. I would have had that longing all of my life. In some ways having children may wake you up to finances as you realize you have to plan and think beyond yourself so in some ways it is financially beneficial to people. A childless friend of mine doesn't necessarily save any more money than we do. She takes several trips out of the country every year so she still spends and probably as much. Instead of buying a minivan she buys a sports car and so forth. So, the difference may not be that much either way.
Life is not easily quantified in dollars and cents. You really have to decide what your life is all about and then seek the life you want.

[rob62521]

I think we as a race have managed to be fruitful and multiply to a GREAT extent...now is not the time to have kids out of duty to God! Not to mention God made plenty of folk infertile....He must have had a reason.

To the OP and anyone else choosing not to have kids (or simply having that choice made for them) please do not let other religious beliefs make you feel bad about your choice, God loves variety in both actions and looks. (how could He not, look at all the different kinds of insects!)

There are many many ways to make a difference in a child's life, bearing one is not the only way.

Well put, Princess!

The Genesis verse beforementioned was when Noah was leaving the ark with his family and two of every animal and God told them to multiply because they were the only ones left...the verse was taken out of context.

[F16]

heavens do you really see nothing worthwhile in life outside of children??????

I personally have no children yet. But I think, that sometime in your life, you just see other people (friends, relatives, co-workers) with their sons and girls, and you just say yourself: "I want children too".

[F16]

Whats the purpose of my life?
Are you serious?

quite serious.

I'm an elementary music teacher in an urban, poverty stricken school. I take care of 750 students. I just finished my masters in educational administration with a Principal's Certificate after only 4 years of teaching.

Well, that's great!

I certainly have a purpose.

Would you be so kind to tell me what exactly are you living for?

That was probably one of the most idiotic comments I have ever heard.

tnx.

Sounds like you need to GET a life rather than ask me about the purpose of mine.

GET a life?
What you mean?!

[PrincessPerky]

Those who think parenting is their only purpose in life are likely to be depressed after having kids as well as before.

Even I (always home mom) need other goals and interests in life, so when no kid will behave, or everyone is sick, I know failing at parenting for a day, doesn't make me a total failure.

[maat55]

Anyone who beleives that it is your God given responsibility to have children, has crossed the line of being a nut. You don't have to bare children to love them and guide them as a teacher or a mother.

SAS, I think you jumped to conclusions that F-16 was judging you or saying you have no purpose.

F-16, I don't think your last post is helping your cause. SAS, has plenty of purpose, like you, in this world whether or not she has children or not. If you think she has to have children to have a purpose, your wrong, thus Nuns. If you didn't mean for her to think you said that, you should clarify that.

[F16]

Guys, think about this:
You are 60 years old, rich, you are living a high-level lifestyle and evenings you are ALONE in your home. There is nobody who thinks about you, there is nobody who cares is everything allright with you or not.
There is nobody who will support you. There is nobody who will bring you a glass of water. And there will be nobody who will come to say you last goodbye.

[F16]

F-16, I don't think your last post is helping your cause.
SAS, has plenty of purpose, like you, in this world whether or not she has children or not. If you think she has to have children to have a purpose, your wrong, thus Nuns. If you didn't mean for her to think you said that, you should clarify that.

Ok, lets face it the other way.
She wants to save money.

Think about your children as an investment, like mutual funds, bonds and so on.

You grow them up, support financially, and when they are grown up, they will pay you back and support you in every circumstances, not just money.
You will feel yourself more secure, if you know, that there is somebody who will always help you, support you. Wanna such an investment?

[hakuna matata]

Guys, think about this:
You are 60 years old, rich, you are living a high-level lifestyle and evenings you are ALONE in your home. There is nobody who thinks about you, there is nobody who cares is everything allright with you or not.
There is nobody who will support you. There is nobody who will bring you a glass of water. And there will be nobody who will come to say you last goodbye.

Okay you think about this then--say you are 60 years old and you had kids because someone on a message board thought you should. You resented having the kids, they know it, and they don't visit you because they hate you. So there you are all alone, and nobody thinks about you...etc.

See they are both silly scenarios. Yes they both could happen, but neither is very likely. I know lots of older people who don't have children and who live very full and happy lifes. I also know lots of older people who love their families and grandchildren. Maybe you haven't noticed, but this old world is made of up lots of different kinds of people and they all have different wants and needs.

So for you, clearly you need children to feel complete. Great on you. It was also important to me, but it isn't to everyone and you really have no business telling people their life is not complete without children. Simply isn't any of your business in my humble opinion.

[F16]

Okay you think about this then--say you are 60 years old and you had kids because someone on a message board thought you should. You resented having the kids, they know it, and they don't visit you because they hate you. So there you are all alone, and nobody thinks about you...etc.

You know what, we all live to help each other. That's the main reason of human existance. When someone doesn't want to have his/her own children, then I think it would be great, when they adopt some child.
And I can assure you, adopted kind will be always greatful to you for saving him and giving him love and care. When someone has the opportunity, including financial opportunity to help that children, why not make a use of that. Living only for yourself, living only for fun and entertainment, is selfish and useless.

So for you, clearly you need children to feel complete. Great on you.

I also think that children are given by God, and when they are given, I hope I will take that gift with all responsibility.
Imagine that. I am in hospital. I am sick. And there are nobody to come to visit me, say "Hello, Dad! How are you? We have brought some fresh fruits for you".

It was also important to me, but it isn't to everyone and you really have no business telling people their life is not complete without children. Simply isn't any of your business in my humble opinion.

Ok, I am sorry. I was wrong.

[hakuna matata]

You know what, we all live to help each other. That's the main reason of human existance. When someone doesn't want to have his/her own children, then I think it would be great, when they adopt some child.
And I can assure you, adopted kind will be always greatful to you for saving him and giving him love and care. When someone has the opportunity, including financial opportunity to help that children, why not make a use of that. Living only for yourself, living only for fun and entertainment, is selfish and useless..

Well obviously that would be great and while I might agree with you, there are lots of folks who wouldn't. Doesn't make us right now does it? And it doesn't make those who make that choice selfish or useless. Sorry I truly can't agree with you there.

I also think that children are given by God, and when they are given, I hope I will take that gift with all responsibility.
Imagine that. I am in hospital. I am sick. And there are nobody to come to visit me, say "Hello, Dad! How are you? We have brought some fresh fruits for you".

.

Again I agree that my daughter is the best thing that has happened to me. Doesn't guarantee that when you are in the hospital that anyone is going to visit you does it? We all know people who were, shall we say overjealous in some aspect of raising their children and now that the children are older, the children have nothing to do with the parent. There are no guarantees in life. Having children doesn't mean they will be there for you when you are older. I am hopeful that my daughter will be, but who knows what the future holds.

My issue with your post was your condemnation of those who choose to not have children. Having children is a very big responsibility and one that should be entered into only with due consideration for all that is involved, and not to create 'purpose' for ones life. Just my opinion--yours obviously varies from mine and I wish you good luck in your life and endeavors

[F16]

I wish you good luck in your life and endeavors

tnx so much!

[PrincessPerky]

What happened to friends? I have more friends than kids. lonely old folk are lonely for many reasons, not because they have no kids.... (and plenty did have kids)

IMO it isn't great to think kids are the be all end all...that is an aweful lot of responsibility to lay on a kid. Not fair to the poor kid.

[ScrimpAndSave]

F16, the purpose of my life is none of your business. You obviously are too closed minded to even contend with.

I pity your children.