I won't have children. I have a plethora of genetic conditions and things that "run in the family" (poor mental health, chronic pain). Even though I am quite happy in my life now, I can't in good conscience pass that on to someone else. I am pansexual, so there is always the possibility of my genetic material not being involved (currently single), but I think I would find parenting incredibly difficult with my disabilities. My other reason not to have kids is environmental; I would feel guilty to leave them in a world with increasing inequality and scarcity of resources.
The problem is, I like children. I've always been good at making little children trust me, I'm the one they come to at gatherings to play. I'm always sitting down and often lying down, so I think I'm more at their level. I'm really good at playing with under 10s whilst lying down or in my wheelchair. I can't do the day-to-day care though.
My siblings will have kids. I'll be great fun to hang out with, and I'd be happy to babysit for a few hours. I don't know if it'll be enough. Recently, hanging out with friends' toddlers has made me broody. I know that a bit of broodiness isn't a good reason to have kids who will likely be as disabled as I am and require care I can't provide. But I never thought it would be hard before.
Maybe this is more about disability grief than childlessness. But I'd like to know if I'm not alone feeling this way.
NB: I am not saying that disabled people don't make good parents, or that people with genetic conditions shouldn't have children, this is a personal choice and only applies to me.