What are the pros of having kids?

[Hippopotas]

I am struggling with the decision on whether to have kids and am struggling to come up with pros.

so wonderful mumsnet please enlighten me.

also do the pros outweigh the cons in your opinion?

I would probably tell my younger self don't worry about not having kids. Explore the world.

But now I have a couple I rather quite like them.

I have 3DC. DH and I had them relatively late (my youngest was born in my 40s) because although he wanted DC I was not fussed. He is a great father and has always done his share of the childcare and housework and he works PT so he can do the wrap around care. I would not have had DC if I'd been with anyone who wouldn't be prepared to do their fair share. My older DC are teenagers now and while I found the baby years hard I'm loving having teenagers. They are such good company.

Pros: My kids make me birthday cake. I have someone to watch period dramas with. I get lots of hugs and they make me laugh so much. Hey Duggee. We have a reason to have a lovely big house. I went to see the Blue Peter garden and nobody thought it was strange (I was much more excited about it than the DC). I have an excellent Studio Ghibli DVD collection. I can justify buying all my childhood favourite novels and have children who are also obsessed with them. I know what 'shipped' means. I am constantly being introduced to new music. Our house is full of love.

Cons: They will change your life and relationships in ways you can't predict and which are not always positive. They are very expensive.