If you could have your time again, would you have children?

Healthscare007 · 2026-09-17T10:27:27+00:00

I know every generation has had their challenges, however with the state of the world politically, economically and with experts saying there is a chance AI could wipe us out this decade, would you still have kids?

Anothercake · 17/09/2026 11:40

Yes, because when it all goes to shit we'll still have each other. And my kids are awesome.

MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack · 17/09/2026 11:46

Yes, absolutely.

There are risks and threats facing every generation.

MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack · 17/09/2026 11:53

And the thing is, if we all stop having kids because of the risks that we currently face, there is a 100% chance that humanity will be wiped out.

GreenCaterpillarOnALeaf · 17/09/2026 12:03

I’m 27 and I have three. I would do the same again now. People have been saying the world is going to end since we could speak, if everyone listened to fear mongering we would have died out as a species. One day, the world will end, I doubt it will be in my life time or my kids lifetime, but it will happen. I’m not going to let the theoretical apocalypse ruin my life or change the way I live. I will do things within my power to help the environment and stuff like that but I’m not going to just cower in fear and stop living my life because AI will “wipe us out” or whatever.

HeyThereDelila · 17/09/2026 12:05

Yes, in fact I regret not starting earlier and having more, but we couldn’t afford it and then I was ill after DS was born.

To be honest I find it a bit galling that the Govt lifted the two child benefit cap. Other people are getting support with their DC while we get nothing, but make huge contributions, leaving us unable to afford more of our own.

Blackwidowsbite · 17/09/2026 12:05

No I wouldn’t.

OneBusyFinch · 17/09/2026 12:06

No

HorseandHeron · 17/09/2026 12:09

Yes of course. The end of the world has been nigh for millenia and yet it trundles on. DC have a great life. Even if it all ended tomorrow, I'd be so glad they'd had the chance to fall in love, make friends, have a loving childhood, travel, make music, study things they were passionate about, adore their pets, enjoy food, nature, books, art, comedy, sport. Life is wonderful. Ordinary, everyday life. It's worth having.

mondaytosunday · 17/09/2026 12:12

This was asked just the other day (by someone thinking of adopting I believe, but the main question was the same.
The answer is yes.

Hellzbellz25 · 17/09/2026 12:14

Yes I’d have more, I’m gutted I’ve only had one

Everleigh13 · 17/09/2026 12:15

Yes. There have always been threats and dire predictions throughout human history.

BreezyClouds · 17/09/2026 12:15

No but not for the reasons you mentioned, they're disabled and unlikely to be well cared for after we're gone.

Actually if AI puts everyone out of work and universal income comes in my DC might stand a chance.

GoodGirlFaith · 17/09/2026 12:16

Yes, 2 or 3 more if I was wealthier!

AutumnLoverButNotYet · 17/09/2026 12:16

I honestly don't know. I'm in my late 50s. & for the first time ever I'm genuinely worried about where this country and the world is going. I'm not sure I would want to inflict all of this on future children.

Netcurtainnelly · 17/09/2026 12:52

HorseandHeron · 17/09/2026 12:09

Yes of course. The end of the world has been nigh for millenia and yet it trundles on. DC have a great life. Even if it all ended tomorrow, I'd be so glad they'd had the chance to fall in love, make friends, have a loving childhood, travel, make music, study things they were passionate about, adore their pets, enjoy food, nature, books, art, comedy, sport. Life is wonderful. Ordinary, everyday life. It's worth having.

Life can also be extremely hard though.

PermanentTemporary · 17/09/2026 12:55

Yes, because I couldn’t live with not trying.

I grew up completely convinced that nuclear attack was about to happen, every single day. Ultimately you have to live positively. It’s also true that my poor Dh who died when ds was 14 has a wonderful legacy in ds and its a huge comfort to remember how much he loved ds and how proud he would be of him.

UnitaBath · 17/09/2026 12:58

No.

My children are both the love of my life, I don't think I could love two people more than I do my young adult dc but I look at how tough life is and how harder everything is these days and feel guilty for bringing them into the world.

sunntmead · 17/09/2026 12:59

Yes but this time I would start younger so I have more time to have more. One of my biggest regrets, my DC has brought more love and joy to my life than I ever thought possible .

Strawberryfruitstarburst · 17/09/2026 13:01

Yes! Fuck the miserable news. It’s about time those of us who aren’t in a shitty environment or situation started appreciating what a gift it is to be born and alive.

The world is still wonderful and we can’t feel
the burden of everything on our shoulders. It’s too much.

We work hard, have great family times and explore nature and the world together.

Strawberryfruitstarburst · 17/09/2026 13:03

HorseandHeron · 17/09/2026 12:09

Yes of course. The end of the world has been nigh for millenia and yet it trundles on. DC have a great life. Even if it all ended tomorrow, I'd be so glad they'd had the chance to fall in love, make friends, have a loving childhood, travel, make music, study things they were passionate about, adore their pets, enjoy food, nature, books, art, comedy, sport. Life is wonderful. Ordinary, everyday life. It's worth having.

I love this post.

Utterlybutter · 17/09/2026 13:03

No. I would be so utterly terrified for my daughters especially. The threat of Islamism and what it might do to the west is what worries me the most.