Do you want children?

[Aggie]

I know some people who are adamant about not having children which I fully understand. I've thought about it and sometimes I like the idea and other times it scares me...like I will have no one to take care of me or to never know the love of a parent to a child. But things aren't guaranteed and even if I have one; they might not be around when I'm older and they might hate me.

I don't know why I started this...just thinking about it right now.

[hammersavage]

you offering?




one day. but its so far from a possibility right now that its hard to think about. I'd like to have two and adopt one. Maybe an Asian. Thai perhaps

[Melk]

Want kids, can't afford 'em. Someday, after I put a pizza over another pizza.

[Dude!]

i can't wait to get married
and start having kids

i will select a beautiful
northern european woman
to be my bride

she will produce for me
4 sons and one daughter

i have it all planned out

[furie]

Someday, after I put a pizza over another pizza.

Umm, what??

[underdog]

Never. I like spending all my money on myself.

[opie's twisted balls]

No, absolutely not!

I'm too selfish and not nearly patient enough to have kids. As long as I can remember I had a paternal feeling once, it lasted for about 5 minutes and was gone. I went for a vasectomy about 5 years ago and haven't regretted it once.

[IMSlacker]

Anyone who wants to borrow mine for a one-year test drive send me a pm.

[Lady Resin]

I wanted them, but found out AFTER I got married he didn't. My sister never wanted a kid, at the age of 46 years old her & my BIL decided to have one. My BIL has 2 sons with his ex at the age of 23 & 21. My nephew is 2 1/2 years old and is a pisser. I wish I could have had one.

[STC-Dub]

No thanks on kids.

[Dell]

PM the specifics (include all costs)...

[Hottub]

Sometimes they can be a drain on the patience and the wallet, but I wouldn't trade them for anything.

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[Death Metal Moe]

There was no Maybe or I would have picked that.

I was always really against the idea but if the woman wanted them I'd probably give in at this point in my life.

[weekapaugjz]

not really.

[epo]

There was no Maybe or I would have picked that.

I was always really against the idea but if the woman wanted them I'd probably give in at this point in my life.

I'm the opposite and yet the same as Moe with a maybe.

I used to be "Yes", but if the right woman came along and didn't want them, that would be ok too.

[sailor]

kids is cool.

[jennysmurf]

No thank you. I take care of other people's children.

[Meataball23]

Those pics are exactly why id want kids....seriously those are great.

You could do worse than baseball games and hanging out at the beach with smaller versions of you.

[Ritalin]

You know, funny you should bring that up, because I've read two pieces about not having kids and both authors - women - talked about being childfree, as if that was some sort of political stance as opposed to a simple choice any person makes about their lives.

One article this woman was trying to compare the life she shares with her dogs and how that's probably more satisfying to her than children would be, and I thought "alright, well, love your dogs for sure, and if you love them enough not to have kids then it's good to recognize that, but don't compare the life of a dog to the life of a child" but then there I was, sucked into her "political statement".

Have kids, don't have kids. S'okay with me. Just don't make a thing about it.

(actually, I've thought about this for 2 seconds, and I have to say I get it, but too bad. Yep, when I didn't have kids I thought that people with kids were insufferable. I LIKE kids and even I was like "stop talking about your goddamn kids". But now that I have kids, all bets are off. I'm going to talk about them because they consume my life, and not for nothing, my baby son Miles is the greatest thing on two legs. And, yes, people with kids are going to get extra time off and more consideration at work and all that. That's how it should be. Deal with it.)

[TheGameHHH]

yep

[KC2OSO]

There was no Maybe or I would have picked that.

I was always really against the idea but if the woman wanted them I'd probably give in at this point in my life.
You would be a good dad.

[burrben]

when my chick and i turn 30 (or are finanically stable).

two kids.

one boy and one girl.

hank and sophie

[KC2OSO]

when my chick and i turn 30 (or are finanically stable).

two kids.

one boy and one girl.

hank and sophie
you already have everything you need to successfully raise two children in this world. go for it.

[Ritalin]

you already have everything you need to successfully raise two children in this world. go for it.

No no, don't. You're not ready.

(I don't even know you. Do it already)

[sailor]

we put it off for a few years, waiting for the perfect time when our lives were settled and we were financially set to do it. after a while you realize it's never going to be the perfect time and you have to go for it (or not) when it just feels right.

[A.J.]

Hell no.

[CountryBob]

Always been open to having kids but it just hasnt happened. I guess because I have never gotten hitched yet - spent all my time being selfish and partying too much. I agree with Moe - at my age now I would give in if the chick wanted some rugrats.

[Aggie]

I definitely want kids. But if for some reason I can't have them, I don't think I would adopt so I see both sides of it.

The poll is pretty close.

[topless_mike]

you are never "ready" or "financially stable" for kids.

wife and i always said hell no to kids. we were selfish.
then we hit the point in our marriage where we were like, "ok, whats next ?" kids.
had 2. couldnt imagine life now without them.

[Hottub]

The pole is pretty close.

So you are trying.
Good for you.

[Death Metal Moe]

You would be a good dad.

I'm sure I know how to love but my fear is supporting a child since I have yet to find a real career in my life. Eh, a child iis the last thing I'm really worrying about at this point in my life.

[TjM]

Wife wants em. I do too but the problem is I am fucking terrified. Also money wise I'm slightly ahead of Davey Mac which is to say poor

[EliSnow]

The one thing I have always known that I wanted to be when I grew up is a father, even more than being a lawyer.

Even with that, I never imagined the love that I have for my kids. I am so glad that we have our girls and that we have a son on the way.

[topless_mike]

Wife wants em. I do too but the problem is I am fucking terrified. Also money wise I'm slightly ahead of Davey Mac which is to say poor

do it now before you get too old to.
millions of others have done it. you are no different.

[opie's twisted balls]

Despite my own dislike of the leaky nosed little money pits I am in absolute awe and utterly respectful of good parents. All my friends have kids and it never ceases to amaze me how much love and effort they put into raising their children. Just the level of organization involved is mind boggling. I'm lucky if my socks match when I leave the house yet parents need to manage diaper bags, hockey/soccer gear, dance outfits, etc., etc.....I don't know how they do it.

Probably one of the most touching events in my life happened 14 years ago. My best friend asked me over over for dinner with him and his wife, which was not at all unusual. During dinner they were acting a little odd, lots of glances to each other and not nearly as lighthearted as our normal get togethers. I was starting to get worries since she was 7 or 8 month pregnant and I thought they had received bad news about the baby. I finally asked if everything was OK and thats when they broke the news. They had talked it over with each other and with their respective families and decided to ask if I'd take on the responsibility of being their soon to be son or daughter's god father. This wasn't just a symbolic request but wanting to add me as the guardian for this and any future kids in the event something would happen to both of them. I was shocked and humbled. Needless to say it was a huge request and I asked to have a day to think about it before accepting the responsibility as I didn't want to take it lightly. So I slept on it, talked to my own family and did accept. Thankfully the parents have stayed healthy and are raising their kids in a loving, supporting home. I've been sure to be there for birthday's, christmas and spoiling the kids rotten. We all go camping together a couple times a year and its been a pleasure seeing them grow up. That said there's still a small amount of terror I'll retain until their kids both turn 18.

[IMSlacker]

I thought you were going to say that they decided to name their child "opie's twisted balls".

[TripleSkeet]

I wanted them, but found out AFTER I got married he didn't. My sister never wanted a kid, at the age of 46 years old her & my BIL decided to have one. My BIL has 2 sons with his ex at the age of 23 & 21. My nephew is 2 1/2 years old and is a pisser. I wish I could have had one.

No disrespect, but isnt that something you are supposed to talk about BEFORE getting married? The reason I ask is I just had a friend get divorced after 3 years because he wanted kids, and apparently she didnt.

I was just blown away because that was something that I thought everybody talked about before deciding to get married.

[FUNKMAN]

have 2 healthy beautiful human beings we call daughters... couldn't imagine my world without them. the feeling comes after having them

had 1 aborted as well...

so i'm on both sides

[landarch]

I didn't want kids until the morning my wife told me we were going to have one. From that point EVERYTHING changed. Now I am at the point of not wanting any more kids. I look at this wonderful kid we have and think back to the last two years of work, and can't imagine how I'd be able to go through all that work again.

[Sue_Bender]

Yes, please!


They're delicious.

[topless_mike]

Despite my own dislike of the leaky nosed little money pits I am in absolute awe and utterly respectful of good parents. All my friends have kids and it never ceases to amaze me how much love and effort they put into raising their children. Just the level of organization involved is mind boggling. I'm lucky if my socks match when I leave the house yet parents need to manage diaper bags, hockey/soccer gear, dance outfits, etc., etc.....I don't know how they do it.

you just do. it becomes part of the norm.
baby? check
diaper bag? check


one thing i found is that i automatically grew up the moment i held my first kid for the first time. i cant explain it. maybe some other parent can.

of course, there are times when you forget to replace the extra set of clothes in the diaper bag, or you realize that you only have 2 diapers left in there once you're already out on a day trip, but whatever.

[TripleSkeet]

I didn't want kids until the morning my wife told me we were going to have one. From that point EVERYTHING changed. Now I am at the point of not wanting any more kids. I look at this wonderful kid we have and think back to the last two years of work, and can't imagine how I'd be able to go through all that work again.

Thats why I had mine 18 months apart. I wanted them close together and I knew if I waited too long I wouldnt want to do the work again.

And let me tell you, 2 kids is 1000 times harder then one. But I have one of each and am tremendously happy. The problem now is I adamantly do not want anymore, and my wife wants another one. I see many arguments in my future but I cant bend on this one. We just dont have the room for another kid.

[Dude!]

No disrespect, but isnt that something you are supposed to talk about BEFORE getting married? The reason I ask is I just had a friend get divorced after 3 years because he wanted kids, and apparently she didnt.

I was just blown away because that was something that I thought everybody talked about before deciding to get married.

yes, i scratched my head
about that too

seems like the most important
thing you should know
before getting married

[EliSnow]

yes, i scratched my head
about that too

seems like the most important
thing you should know
before getting married

I think it happens more ofen than people think.

Or the couple actually talk about it, and they lie about what they want; they talk about it, and they are honest, and one of them thinks the other will change their minds later (and don't), or they talk about it, think they want kids, and change their mind later.

[west milly Tom]

Definitely. My parents were the greatest parents a kid could have. I grew up with a father I still view as my hero. I still don't know what I want to do with the rest of my life but I know I was born to be a family man.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

kids would be nice, am not rushing it, but I have a 3 bedroom house that I would like filled

[Death Metal Moe]

Is it a coincidence that my position on kids, going from never to maybe, coincided with my becoming less selfish in my life? Just asking others since I'm not a parent.

[west milly Tom]

Is it a coincidence that my position on kids, going from never to maybe, coincided with my becoming less selfish in my life? Just asking others since I'm not a parent.

How did you become less selfish?

[Death Metal Moe]

How did you become less selfish?

Just a general attitude in my life, started doing a lot more for family and friends then I used to.

[Jujubees2]

I think it happens more ofen than people think.

Or the couple actually talk about it, and they lie about what they want; they talk about it, and they are honest, and one of them thinks the other will change their minds later (and don't), or they talk about it, think they want kids, and change their mind later.

So true. I wasn't sure if I wanted kids when I got married but the wife wanted five! Made for an intersting conversation with the priest (I had to promise to be "open to the idea of having children."). Four years later I had two and my beautiful Mrs. agreed that was enough.

I was scared as hell when the first one was born as I wasn't one of those people who grew up wanting or expecting to have kids. But things have a way of working out and both my boys are on their way to being strapping young men (they're 14 and 12) due to having a great mother and a father who knows when to stay out of the way.

[topless_mike]

Is it a coincidence that my position on kids, going from never to maybe, coincided with my becoming less selfish in my life? Just asking others since I'm not a parent.

no. sounds like you are maturing, thats all.

[JimBeam]

The wife's expecting in March so I better want @ least 1.

[Hamey]

No offense to people who have em. But I hate children.

[Misteriosa]

not at the moment.

i work with abused/neglected children and teens. im a little overwhelmed with that.

[topless_mike]

No offense to people who have em. But I hate children.

none taken. kids arent for everybody.

[opie's twisted balls]

you just do. it becomes part of the norm.
baby? check
diaper bag? check


one thing i found is that i automatically grew up the moment i held my first kid for the first time. i cant explain it. maybe some other parent can.

of course, there are times when you forget to replace the extra set of clothes in the diaper bag, or you realize that you only have 2 diapers left in there once you're already out on a day trip, but whatever.
True enough. Just like anything else in life, you deal with the reality when you have to. Still, I'm such an anal retentive prick that the prospect of an infant, toddler, child, teen causing untold chaos to my very tidy and ordered life is unthinkable.


Definitely. My parents were the greatest parents a kid could have. I grew up with a father I still view as my hero. I still don't know what I want to do with the rest of my life but I know I was born to be a family man.
Thats the funny thing. I grew up in a wonderful home with a loving mom, dad and brother. Had all the attention and stuff a kid could ask for, never abused in any way so by all accounts I should prime father material. Just not in me.

kids would be nice, am not rushing it, but I have a 3 bedroom house that I would like filled
Renters?

Is it a coincidence that my position on kids, going from never to maybe, coincided with my becoming less selfish in my life? Just asking others since I'm not a parent.
Yes I'm selfish but, and I realize this is something of an oxymoron, but its never been at the expense of people I care about or necessities. And its not just financial. I'll never go for a ride on the bike, take off for a day of fly fishing, etc. if I should be helping family or friends, mowing the lawn, etc. Its just that I like my "me" time and I know a kid would cut into that.

The wife's expecting in March so I better want @ least 1.
As long as your the donor your logic is fine. :)

[~Katja~]

always wanted kids, had one when I least expected it and am very happy that I did. Perhaps one day there will be another.

[topless_mike]

always wanted kids, had one when I least expected it and am very happy that I did. Perhaps one day there will be another.

when my wife kicks me to the curb.
dont forget.. i dig slightly older chicks.

:wub:

[cougarjake13]

partly yes and partly no

[midwestjeff]

So much that they had to put me on the list.

[Dude!]

Quote:
Originally Posted by topless_mike
you just do. it becomes part of the norm.
baby? check
diaper bag? check


one thing i found is that i automatically grew up the moment i held my first kid for the first time. i cant explain it. maybe some other parent can.

of course, there are times when you forget to replace the extra set of clothes in the diaper bag, or you realize that you only have 2 diapers left in there once you're already out on a day trip, but whatever.

True enough. Just like anything else in life, you deal with the reality when you have to. Still, I'm such an anal retentive prick that the prospect of an infant, toddler, child, teen causing untold chaos to my very tidy and ordered life is unthinkable.



Quote:
Originally Posted by west milly Tom
Definitely. My parents were the greatest parents a kid could have. I grew up with a father I still view as my hero. I still don't know what I want to do with the rest of my life but I know I was born to be a family man.

Thats the funny thing. I grew up in a wonderful home with a loving mom, dad and brother. Had all the attention and stuff a kid could ask for, never abused in any way so by all accounts I should prime father material. Just not in me.


Quote:
Originally Posted by King Hippos Bandaid
kids would be nice, am not rushing it, but I have a 3 bedroom house that I would like filled

Renters?


Quote:
Originally Posted by Death Metal Moe
Is it a coincidence that my position on kids, going from never to maybe, coincided with my becoming less selfish in my life? Just asking others since I'm not a parent.

Yes I'm selfish but, and I realize this is something of an oxymoron, but its never been at the expense of people I care about or necessities. And its not just financial. I'll never go for a ride on the bike, take off for a day of fly fishing, etc. if I should be helping family or friends, mowing the lawn, etc. Its just that I like my "me" time and I know a kid would cut into that.


Quote:
Originally Posted by JimBeam
The wife's expecting in March so I better want @ least 1.

As long as your the donor your logic is fine.

hey opie
you know, there is no
requirement that you must
respond to every post

how about being a little more
selective

you don't die if you let a post
go un-responded to!

[TheHalloweenGoddess]

I'm replying to this because I'm rusty and need to jar my brain into creative posting responses.

I had 3 kids in 5 years. I was clinically infertile and had to drug up to do it. I was DETERMINED!! Personally, the first two are Irish Twins and I found two babies just as easy as one. I CHOSE to have them both so close together.

The third kid was a surprise to me (concieved without fertility drugs) and he came when my baby turned 3. That was more challenging, the 3 year age gap, than the 1 year.

I married and had kids young and as far as I'm concerned it was PERFECT for me. I look at women my age just starting out and it boggles my mind because I know how much LESS energy I have today than when I got started. No fucking way do I want babies now!

[opie's twisted balls]

hey opie.....
hey dude, kiss my pucker