To think regretting having children is almost the norm

[user1489943514]

I've been shocked at how many of my friends (from all different social circumstances) have said if they'd known what was involved in bringing up a child they would never have had one.

Out of my four closest friends all of them, although they love their children and would never give them up, would never have had them had they known the reality of having children.

I have always wanted a child but I'm similar. While I wouldn't want to be childless and look forward to the day my son is an adult, I certainly won't miss these younger years as he gets older. I will look back and wonder how I ever coped!

I think regretting having a child is very very common, and my experience is that while it's not the norm, I don't think it's far from it.

It's just considered very taboo and anyone who discusses their thoughts seems to be labelled as having postnatal depression when in fact they don't.

Aibu to think regretting having children is far more prevalent than is politically correct to say?

OP how old is your son?

My only regret is that they start school so early in this country. I love the younger years. Of course it's hard work to raise one or more children but it is the best job in the world.

Borrowed Heart, I'm sorry to read about how you feel and really sad to hear about your daughter with health problems. I wish you strength. From very early on after I had my baby I always felt that I shouldn't get upset and moan about sleepless nights and or a mess a baby may make, etc. etc.because there are parents who are in your position - in and out of hospitals, stressed and worried and then there are rest who are getting upset that their baby or child won't sleep through the night or eat things because they might not want to right away, having a baby throwing a tantrum is nothing compared to what patents such as yourself have to and have endured and that's what made and makes me just get on with it because things do get easier for those of us not in the difficult situation as you and many others are when dealing with a sick child. We should all try to enjoy and see the good we have.