Does anyone wish they hadn't had kids?

[user6hty]

I would really like them to the point where it is making me so miserable and all consuming. I want to get some perspective. would anyone go back to child free years if they could and never have DC? if so, why?

OP I hope everything works out for you but i honestly think this thread is a bad idea, as in of course you're going to have replies that are just going to make you want kids more .

I love my kids but I really do envy my child free friends - especially their holidays and free time. If I had my time over, I don't know... I am not a "natural" when it comes to parenting. I am short of patience and irritated easily. I love the bones of my kids but it is bloody tough.

I can’t imagine life without our children; they have been my greatest joy. There were times when I felt completely overwhelmed when they were small though, and longed for a lie in with coffee in bed, or a lazy day with no demands.

They are 19, 20 & 31 now and are wonderful humans. DH and I have holidays away together, those lazy days and lie ins... but we both love it when the kids choose to spend their time with us.

I’m not being smug; it hasn’t always been the easiest ride- our youngest two came to us by adoption, and the elder is mine by a previous marriage... but all three are a delight to us both.

I knew in my late 20s I didn't want children and am in my late 40s now. I never changed my mind and am without children by choice.

I'm often asked if I regret my decision and my answer is always absolutely not. I'm very glad I am childless, thankful in fact.

The decision is a very personal one. I've had a few friends tell me they regret children. I think they know I won't judge them for their honesty.

Sorry this is all a bit off topic, but just wanted to share my perspective. I am happy, live a rich and full life with wonderful friends, lots of travel and financially am secure. I don't know if I would have all that if I had children. But I have no interest in finding out

I felt the same way as you until I had my DD. Now I know that my life could have been equally fulfilling and rich without children, just in a different way. I don't regret having her at all but neither do I thi k having children is the be all and end all of happiness, and I do regret wasting so much of my childfree years thinking about / planning for children.

I have 2 DC with ASD . I love them more than life itself but it is relentless and its like still being in the toddler years with the pre teen stuff as well. I miss the life I had and the life I planned. I am exhausted and have no idea how I will find the reserves to keep ploughing on only I know I will. Do I regret them ? No. Do I wish it could have been different ? Sometimes. I would have had a very different life it I hadn't had them, but who knows what that would have looked like either ...

It's the best thing I have ever done, my DS is 13 months now and i thank my lucky stars each day!

But I can understand how it's not for everyone as it is non stop. I get alot less sleep, no time to switch off and always feel guilty or worried about something!

But the free time thing doesn't bother me, I can't think of a better way to spend my time than with him!

Parenting is crap and joyless and the 'delights' are bollocks.

This^

It's why I chose not to have children. The threads from parents genuinely struggling with babies or children who won't eat, or won't sleep or whatever just confirm that I was right to chose to be child free.

The 'Disney moms' who are, 'really enjoying their LO' (that's code for Little One i.e child) have not made me think oh hang on, maybe I was wrong.

Anyway, back on topic. No thread de-rail please.