I Hate Kids, So What?
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

I Hate Kids, So What?

Why does my decision about children affect complete strangers?

1829
I Hate Kids, So What?
Liberty Antonia Sandler

I hate kids. No, really, I do. I don't mean I steal lollipops from strollers and rip the heads off of toys, I just don't like children. Even from a young age, it was apparent to me that I lacked some kind of maternal instinct that was natural in other people. When I played house, the "baby" was never mine and often was a younger sibling. I simply wasn't born to have children, and couldn't think of a future that involved kids for me.

However, this concept of me not wanting children blows some people's minds. Since I identify as cisgender female, I am societally expected to bear and raise my own children. This expectation can damage and ruin lives similar to my own. Women and even young girls are forced into and through pregnancies that end poorly for both parties, whereas men do not have that same agenda put upon them. It's endlessly frustrating as someone who values bodily autonomy above all to be told that children are an inevitable part of my future.

My biggest issue with this obsession with my hypothetical children is the pressure it puts on one gender -- cisgender women. I have rarely seen the same burden placed upon my male identifying friends, and never the same expectations. Men are allowed the option to have kids, but it isn't expected, at least not these days. And by insinuating that a woman's only purpose is to bear children, you are excluding women who are infertile, or women who are born without a uterus(which includes trans women). Not only is that inconsiderate and derogatory, it's downright offensive.

The most annoying phrase that I hear on a daily basis is that I'll change my mind when I grow up. Even if my mind was somehow miraculously changed, that doesn't invalidate my opinion on child-rearing now. Consider a friend who didn't like spinach when they were little. Maybe now they crave spinach salads on the daily, but you would never dare to say that they'll "change their mind" when they grow up -- you'd assume it was a personal preference and leave it at that.

Another pretty insulting phrase is how my lack of maternal instinct makes me inherently selfish. I would just as soon not have a child than subject another to an intolerant and hateful world. There's too many human beings on this planet, and if I can help stop the plague that is humanity by not creating a mini me of my own, I think that's a noble cause.

Okay, maybe that was a little dramatic, but you get the idea. Just because I don't want kids doesn't mean I'm selfish. It means I'm self-aware enough to realize that I wouldn't be the greatest parent, and therefore should not attempt to raise a human being against my will. As much as I play "mom" to my friends and take care of other people, I am fully conscious of the fact that I genuinely do not have the mental toughness that it takes to be a parent. I can hardly take care of chickens; what makes anyone think I'm capable of bearing a baby?

In the end, the decision of whether or not I want children is mine and mine alone. No senator, parent, friend, guardian, or advisor will ever change my mind, even with such "harmless" expressions as seen above. I mean, it's 2017 people! Wake up and smell the revolution. In a world that places high value on independence, you'd think that we would allow women to make their own choices.

I love kids. No, really, I do. I love kids enough to recognize that they're not for me.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

17991
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

946628
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

123254
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments