Parenthood is it worth it?

Prior to children, 'Days of freedom'??? I didn't lose freedom when I became a parent, although I did gain new responsibilities and commitments.

This is MY thoughts and by no means am I telling others to think of it the same.

After being a world traveler and seeing some of the cruel world, I have decided for myself that it would seriously selfish of me to bring another soul to this world. Why should I put a kid through all the mess that is life for MY entertainment and joy? Sure, he might have an awesome life but he could also have an incredibly messed up. I am basically gambling on how his life turns out and that is not something I can do.

If there was ever an "accident" and I endup becoming a father, I would love and care for him but I am 30 and have no intention of bringing a child to this world after planning. I also think I am very horrible with kids and will be a terrible father so no, not for me.

I have 8 sweet kids I wanted 12 but that is not meant to be . I would not trade my kids for anything ever they are lifes greatest blessings on earth .

Love is the answer.

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The fun of freedom is so not even close to the unspeakable joy of being called "Mama". I wish I'd given up a few years of freedom and started sooner. I adore, love, worship and cherish my little boy every second of every day, even when he's being obnoxious. I can hardly wait to give him brothers and sisters!

Awwwww....so sweet! I feel the same way about my 2! They are my world!

To all the women having kids in their 30's AWESOME! And thank you for sharing!

Its funny how once you pass 25 you start feeling bad for not having kids.
At the moment I don't want kids, I am 28 and I may change my mind, but I anyways want to wait until I am in my 30's before deciding.

I had kids when I was 36 and 38. I never wanted them when I was younger and I am glad I waited because I was such an *kitten* when I was young! By the time I had them I was finaciallyt secure, I got all the partying and man chasing out of my system. I gave up being able to go out anytime in exchange for being able to love like I never knew I could! They make me so happy and they keep me honest. I have to set a good example for them. They are 18 and 20 now and we have been through a lot.

this is a great thread! Good luck with your little one and remember, they aren't teenagers forever! LOL

My kids are my world. My life would be very boring if I didn't have children. Even when they are making me pull my hair out, I enjoy every minute of it, because one day I will look at the 2 of them (soon to be 3) and they will be grown-up.

I've got 3 daughters - 11, 9, 9.

Parenting is hard work- painfully frustratingly hard. You never catch a break. Every episode of your child's life has new and exciting difficulties. I've spent my girls' childhoods looking forward to that next bend in the road, when things will be easier. Well, they're not easier, they're different. They're just as hard in new and exciting ways.

With that said, I get to spend every day with the only person I've ever been uncontrollably in love with, watching three of the most exciting, amazing, and spectacular people I've ever known - three of the best friends I've ever had, to be honest - grow from newborns into these beautiful young women. And I'm not only watching, I'm helping.

Do I miss my pre-children days? Almost never. I never miss the places I used to go but don't anymore. But there are times when I'm at places where there's no way in hell I'd ever go without kids (think Chuckee Cheese) and I feel that little niggle that says, "If you just hadn't knocked her up…" At the same time, my kids get taken to places I want to go where they think, "If only I had a different dad…", so we're even.

For me, parenthood is worth every tear, every struggle, every meltdown, it's simply worth it all. I'm not that great of a dad, nor am I some spectacular husband. So I struggle with it all. I fail often. And there are many nights I go to bed hoping I haven't scarred my children or given them their first adulthood therapy topic. I suppose that's all part of parenting. You know you've had a good day when you go to bed with the same number of kids you woke up with. You know you've had a great day when you've made it to bed time without giving your kids fodder for their eventual therapist. Still, I love it, I cherish it, and through every moment of pain and struggle, I cannot imagine any other way.

If this helps, here's a little prayer I say quite often: "Dear God - Please grant me the strength to cope with my Blessings."

OP, I hope this helps. Just remember, you don't have to be a perfect person to be a spectacular parent.

Im 22 and had my first son as 20 and second at 21, Im done now lol. I was never into partying and staying out so I dont miss that. I moved from my partners parents house with our 4 week old first son so had a newborn and a first home at the same time, I had PND with my second which im taking meds for but in general being a mum is great. I hate when they are hurt/have jabs. When my oldest had chicken pox I hated it , he was sick and led out on the sofa for days and i wished I could have the illness instead of him. Id love a new BABY but not a new CHILD so thats why im done with having kids. I love the baby stage but toddlers/older children are hard work. My partner has an 11yr old son too and Iv been around him since he was 6 so Iv handled kids of all ages. It is tough sometimes but at the end of the day when they want a cuddle and say "mummy/daddy" its all worth it

To copycat the other posts:

I'm about to give up my 36 some years of carefree childless days in less than two months. I was thinking about some of this things I'll miss such as sleep, being able to travel at the drop of a hat and staying out all night.

What to is it about your kids that makes them so much more special then the days of freedom? Do you miss your freedom? Just want to hear your story about your adorable progeny, and how they've turned your life upside down for the better.

I had my first daughter 2 months before I turned 32, and my second this past July. I can honestly tell you that while I can look back on my pre-child time with fondness/nostalgia (and perhaps a teeny bit of longing!) that I wouldn't give them up for the world. My 21mo tests the limits of my patience daily, and my LO is very needy, but I cannot imagine life without them now that they're here. They're maddening, amazing, exhausting, curious, lively little beings that fill my world.

I am glad I waited until my 30s to have children- I partied, I traveled, I did all the things I wanted to do; I have no regrets, I do not feel as though I missed out on anything.

While the initial lack of sleep sucks, it doesn't last long. It will be over before you know it! And, in the last few weeks of pregnancy, one gets so little sleep (and then NO sleep at the hospital), that a solid 3 hours between feedings feels amazing.

Congrats lady! It will change your life! :flowerforyou:

To all the women having kids in their 30's AWESOME! And thank you for sharing!

Its funny how once you pass 25 you start feeling bad for not having kids.
At the moment I don't want kids, I am 28 and I may change my mind, but I anyways want to wait until I am in my 30's before deciding.

Neither my husband or I wanted children until we met each other.... I was 30 and he was 33. On our second date, we had the "i don't want kids" discussion. Five weeks after our first date, he told me was going to marry me. A week later, we were talking about possible baby names. Six weeks after that, we were pregnant.

short answer - that is something everyone needs to determine for themselves..

for me.. yes, so worth it..

You literally cannot explain the sheer joy you feel as a parent when coming home after a long $hitty day and the minute you walk in the door your 2 year-old Screams "DADDY! (or MOMMY!) and runs full speed across the room to throw themselves at you in a big hug.

My wife and I tag-teamed a soul-crushingly long 9 months of a baby who didn't sleep through the night, switching off with the kid, first for bottles, then for crying over lost pacifiers and blankets.

None of those nights sleeping on the floor while they were teething and miserable matter when you go to leave or put them to bed and they say 'Love you Daddy, me kisses?" and "Twinkle Star Please?"

THIS!!!! PERFECT!