To think that people who say “kids are a blessing” just don’t want to admit they regret it?

Really intrigued about what has led to you posting this, OP? Are you struggling with your children, or you're not a parent and have decided that all parents must regret having children?

I am very lucky to have had a nice life with a lovely family, husband and enjoyable career. Having my children has topped it all, to be quite honest - they have brought more joy and purpose to my life than I thought imaginable. But I do agree with you that I likely look exhausted whilst telling you this...

Edited to correct grammatical error (too tired, probs).

Changed your username for this OP? Why’s that?

Amongst the adult DC of all of our friends:
One has been told they cannot have children and after several failed IVF attempts are now coming to terms with probably never having them
2 still births
A baby born very prematurely who may or may not live
Multiple miscarriages

Of course babies are a blessing, no matter how knackered you look. There were times when my kids drove me insane but I never stopped loving them and being grateful for them.

I think this was a highly insensitive, ill-judged thread to start

For me, I love having children. Sometimes it is hard and you miss out on other things but I have absolutely no regrets.
your post seems to be suggesting that most people regret having children. I imagine some do but it’s probably the minority

I find the only people ‘dead behind the eyes’ are the ones who bash people who actually enjoy having children 🤷‍♀️

I couldn’t have children but often feel when reading Mumsnet that the freedom from the worry and heartache they often seem to bring is also a blessing.

Are you trying to suggest that everyone who says their kids are a blessing actually wishes they never had them? You don't actually think ALL parents regret having their kids do you?

Weird, but it does seem to be fashionable to hate your dc. Don’t get me wrong, my dc can be hugely frustrating but they make me laugh so much and give the best hugs. Mine are 13-17 and they enrich my life and give purpose. I love watching them grow and develop into young ladies. I also work ft.

How ridiculous!

You sound incredibly bitter.

Mine are all adults and they have always been a blessing.

Of course not everyone has the same experience but to accuse those who have joyful relationships of lying and being dead behind the eyes is pathetic.

I think the demographic here is changing, there’s less humour than there used to be too.

AIBU to assume the OP is a dogtanian and fully believes a dog can take the place of a child 😆

Another OP lighting the touchpaper. Clearly a dull day in their office 🙄

What makes you think that? Do you have kids yourself? I truly adore mine and always have.

I’m really grateful for my kids. I’m absolutely more happy that I’ve had them than not. That doesn’t at all mean that every moment with them is sheer joy. No relationship is like that. I wouldn’t really use the term ‘blessing’ because that sounds wanky and I just don’t speak like that.

But I certainly feel very lucky to have them. I was diagnosed with cancer last year and truly the only thing I care about is not dying and leaving my kids. Don’t care if it means I’m permanently disfigured (I am), don’t care if it means work is more challenging, don’t care how horrific the treatment is (it’s been pretty bad), literally all that doesn’t matter, I just didn’t want to die and leave my kids. It’s driven home actually how important they are to me, which is a funny thing to suddenly realise.

My mum can never understand why people say the thing they are proudest of are their children. She has asked me why people say this with genuine curiosity and no sense of what a weird thing to ask your child. She did not view her children in a way I think most people do. She wasn't/isn't a great parent due to a shocking upbringing which she can't/won't recognise as damaging. Is that where you are coming from OP - you find parenting hard and your kids are not a blessing to you so you cannot see that other people may think differently?

Yawn

No regrets at all, ever, for a single minute.
It's the best thing that has happened to DH and I, by far.

Personally I am quite reserved and keep my tender feelings for my kids to myself and DH. I never post on SM about them or talk about them too much. I am not into that.

Is that how you feel OP, about being a parent? It can be very tough.

I don’t think it’s helpful to project your feelings all over others though.

Another anti children thread. It’s very strange on a parenting site that so many pop up and they’re getting more common, along with the pro smacking children threads.

I’d imagine it’s rare to regret having your kids. For me they are exhausting and all consuming but I don’t regret them for a minute. I do feel like they have completed my life, or at least given it greater meaning. Before I had kids I thought they might ruin my life.

My children are by far the best thing that ever happened in my life. They are the greatest blessing and greatest joy. Sure parenting at times can be hard work but this does not take away from the huge blessing there are.

Yes, most big decisions have pros and cons. Marriage, kids, emigration, career changes. All of them.
My child free friends also look exhausted sometimes.

My kids are a blessing and I don’t regret them? What a weird thread. You sound like you need help

It’s a bit like saying people who say they love their parents or siblings or husband must be lying. So no @ByBluntBiscuit I think they probably get enormous happiness from their children.