From the time we're young we're young we are taught that we should get a good paying job, get married and have a family. But what if settling down and having kids isn't something you want? It can look bad, especially if you're a girl.

Now I'm not saying boys don't face a similar pressure but what's more likely to cause a room to go quiet: a guy saying he doesn't want children or a girl saying she doesn't want children?

Either way it can sound bad since like other animals and mammals we're sort of programmed to procreate. But that doesn't mean we all have to have children right?

I for one am not interested in having children. When I was little my attitude was very different and I did want to be a mom. But the older I got the less appealing it was. Sure they're cute and cuddly but they can also turn into a mini-T-Rex when you're not looking.

Now part of my decision to not have children does stem from the fact that I've barely gotten to do anything I wanted to in life. I've yet to travel the places I want and establish my career. Yes I know many parents will say I still can but it'll just be in a different way. Well I like my way and my way involves just me, myself and I.

Also after hearing the stories of some of my friends and their kids, it just makes me want to have kids less. Now in no way am I trying to put down those who do want or have kids, if anything I tip my hat to you all. Raising kids is no easy task.

Another reason I don't want kids is because I thrive on being able to be spontaneous and go wherever I like.

Some might call me selfish for not wanting children, well fine then I admit I'm selfish. But I'm not a baby factory, it's no longer 1950 where women are expected to have one baby after another and be a housewife.

Some might even say that I'll have a harder time meeting a guy and getting married since most guys will eventually want kids. Oh well guess I'll just have to be an old maid then too if that's all that matters.

Honestly I just don't think I'm meant to be a mom and I'm okay with that. You can say my life will never be truly fulfilled until I have a child but I decide what fulfills my life and that does not include children.

Perhaps in ten years if you ask me if I want children maybe I'll change my mind but it's not likely. I'm far too independent and have a lot of things I want to accomplish in life well before I ever settle down.

Now this doesn't mean I hate kids quite the contrary. I love them but I'd rather babysit or be that Aunt that spoils the kids than be a parent.

Once again parents I tip my hat to you, for you are doing something I don't think I could.