Being a nanny for the past few years and wanting to be a pediatrician has made me the poster child for loving kids. I’m surrounded by them constantly and love every moment. I learn so much about myself and how intelligent kids are. So, the question always pops up If I want kids in the future, and since I was young the answer has always been no. This reason is for many personal choices. The main reason is I don’t want to have that responsibility in my life.

The reactions I get are mixed, people will say “oh you’ll change your mind” or “you’d be a great mom." I’ve even gotten opinions that it’s my duty for my parents to have grandchildren. The reactions at times make me feel that I am selfish of not following the status quo of what is expected. It makes me feel that one of my big purposes in life as a woman is to create a family, that I owe others that.

Even if you don’t like kids and don’t want any also, you’re not evil. The great thing about this day and age is women have more options and freedom. You are able in most parts of the world now to choose that you don’t want to have kids and there will be no economic or social backlash.

There are so many families that have kids and they do not take proper care of them; instead, they abuse them. It is a huge responsibility to raise a child, so the decision shouldn’t be taken lightly although I know most of the time it isn’t planned. I think I am being responsible for knowing my capabilities of not wanting a child.

I am not less of a woman because I don’t want kids. I am not here to please anyone else but myself. Its beautiful thing that woman has the ability to create life and bring children into the world and it’s also a beauty that you have a choice not to. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so thankful for that because I would not be here. But I can make my own choices that I deem right for me.

I want to live an independent life where I can travel, excel at my job, create strong relationships, be the best aunt, have tons of pets, and more. I’m not saying you can’t do that when you have a child, but once you have a child your life is shifted to creating the best life for your child which means some sacrifices. Who knows, my mind may change as I get older but at this moment I am happy with my choice. At the end of the day if your choices do not bring harm to others or yourself, then who is anyone to judge. Live your life that you want to and not for anyone else.

I'll leave you with this amazing Ted Talk by Christen Reighter who explains just that: