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Original poster

Do you see our children having kids?

65 replies

GinJeanie · 16/02/2021 19:34

Silly question. Obviously lots of them will. My older DS (16) has always said he'd choose to have lots of dogs rather than having children. However, he turned to me this morning and said, "I'm not depressed or anything but I don't see how anyone of our generation can contemplate bringing kids into this world given climate change". He seems fine in himself so I'm not worried - tbh, I often (secretly) wonder the same, although it sounds so extreme. I have two DBs and quite a few friends who haven't had children so it doesn't seem strange at all.
However, my DM was obsessed with us producing a clutch of grandchildren and some of my friends talk of looking forward to it one day as if there's absolutely no question it'll happen. Not sure what my point is other than do you see your children questioning reproduction in a way our parents' generation may not have done?

OP posts:

Tureen · 26/02/2021 03:02

@MonsterMunchPaws

They’re young and idealistic at the moment but will fall into the trap eventually as most of us do.

Not necessarily. I’m 48 and out of my large sibling group I’m the only one not childfree by choice, and I only have one, again by choice.

TrinityWaves · 27/02/2021 21:42

Really interesting thread, it's something I think about now and again. I'd adore any grandchildren if they did have kids but also wouldn't be bothered if they didn't.

It makes sense that people are having less children and later, living is so expensive. All my friends got careers established after uni, got married, got a house etc. before having their children, I imagine in 20-30 years time this is going to be impossible for so many more people, it's impossible for many now!

BunnyRuddington · 27/02/2021 21:46

DS says he wants a family but also says that he wants to move to New Zealand so I don't think I'll be seeing much of my GC, if I get them.

DD is a young teen read psychopath so I honestly don't know if she'll ever have children.

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justanotherneighinparadise · 27/02/2021 21:47

I have boys and will be encouraging them not to.

OldRailer · 27/02/2021 21:48

No.

rawalpindithelabrador · 27/02/2021 21:50

Nope. DS has autism and his conditions put DD off so much she's never having kids as she doesn't want to risk having a child like him. I can't say I blame her. Hope he doesn't have any kids but can't see him ever having a relationship.

RealisticSketch · 27/02/2021 22:01

I have no particular desire to be a grandparent and just want my kids to be happy with their life. They're too young to know what that might be yet. Personally I feel that not having children would be quite a sensible choice for them, I think it's getting harder for following generations to achieve a good quality life.

Chimeraforce · 27/02/2021 22:06

My DD 14 says she doesn't want any.
She's more worried they'll have her health issues and she doesn't want either her or them to have to go through all the medical appointments, pain, mobility and eyesight issues. I don't blame her but I've told her to keep an open mind.
I can't see her changing her mind though and I'm not maternal so not fussed about grandchildren though I can see they bring joy to many.

IdblowJonSnow · 27/02/2021 22:06

I worry terribly about climate change and all the implications so I might be relieved in some ways if mine decide not to have children. As they're both at primary school it's a way off!
I think we need the global population to decrease quite a bit.

ZaphodBeeblerox · 27/02/2021 22:08

Well my DD told me last week she is going to have 11 kids.

But once I started on the logistics of making them pancakes or taking them to the toilet she said that I’ll have to look after them for her.

She’s 3 though!

DianaT1969 · 27/02/2021 22:47

I see lots of young people ordering via Uber Eats and Deliveroo. They don't worry about climate change when a motorbike burning fossil fuel is picking up their pizza.

Zoomzoom90 · 27/02/2021 22:50

People choose to have children in refugee camps, so I don’t think climate change will put most people off.

Funneth · 27/02/2021 23:04

Most people want children but the birth rate is declining largely due to the recession. A lot of people now don't make enough money to even support themselves let alone children as well. The birth rate will drop further with this next recession that is due soon.

Fleapit · 27/02/2021 23:19

@Zoomzoom90

People choose to have children in refugee camps, so I don’t think climate change will put most people off.

And you don’t think that a lack of services, and indigence — and hence an inability to afford contraception or any pregnancy options, should any exist in the camps — might have something to do with that? Not to mention the fact that vulnerable female refugees in camps are liable to trade sex for food, protection etc, or simply to be raped?

RampantIvy · 27/02/2021 23:31

@Zoomzoom90

People choose to have children in refugee camps, so I don’t think climate change will put most people off.

I doubt very much that they choose to get pregnant. I suspect that lack of access to contraception and being raped is the more likely reason.

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