Négatives / benefits to being childfree when you are older

[Seaair2]

I’m pretty sure I want to remain childfree - its not that I don’t like children but I just don’t think I want to be a full time parent. The responsibility, the worry, the lack of me time, I’ve just never felt like it’s for me. But people often make me question this, I’m just interested for those of you who are older and childfree - honestly what are thé benefits / negatives of being childfree? I think I decision / way of life is perfect, to choose one think means you can’t have another but just interested to hear peoples thought. So many people say, gosh no children you ll regret that!

LastDuchessFerrara

Does your dh feel the same?

@Bythemillpond

LastDuchessFerrara

Does your dh feel the same?

He says he does.

So who would you save first if your house was on fire and you could only save your child or your husband?

@Bythemillpond

So who would you save first if your house was on fire and you could only save your child or your husband?

Give over.

@Bythemillpond

So who would you save first if your house was on fire and you could only save your child or your husband?

What do you want her to say?

Go on, tell us that you want her to say her child so you can carry on being smug.

@Bythemillpond

So who would you save first if your house was on fire and you could only save your child or your husband?

Daft question We'd both save our daughter, obviously, because humans are wired to protect their offspring. It doesn't mean I love him less. I'd be utterly devastated if I lost him. As would DD. We're a very close family but one day she will leave and we will (hopefully) continue as a happy couple. Honestly, people fetishize their kids on MN.

A thing I often read on here is that husbands can be replaced, children can’t. While it is of course true of children, I do wonder how much people who say this really love their husbands. I’ve been married to my DH for 30 years - the idea that he is replaceable is repugnant to me.

I agree, *Tori"

It's like saying to a bereaved parent "never mind, you can always have another child." DH and DD are both irreplaceable for me.