People think it’s odd I enjoy being a stepmum but don’t want children

[lala2221]

Bit of background info - I’m 34 with two stepsons aged 7 and 8 , I wouldn’t say being a stepmum is easy but I am luckily in the situation I am in and most of the time I genuinely enjoy it. I don’t however plan on having my own children and people seem to find this strange and can be quite opinionated about it! Especially now I’m in my 30s. I have never really wanted my own children and I think mums are amazing how they do it all. You would think in 2020 people would be more open minded about people being childfree or stepparents actually enjoying being a stepparent?! Surely it’s ok to not want children?!

I don’t think it’s odd! We all have different preferences and having children isn’t for everyone.

With stepchildren you don’t have all of the parental responsibilities for them, so you can still enjoy a free life really.

I'm the same op. People think I must hate my step children because I don't want to have me own baby. It's weird.

I’m glad I’m not the only one Kylie! Really strange isn’t it!

Weirdly people seem to have opinions whatever women decide to do regarding children. Oh you don't have children, oh dear you only have one, woah you have too many- eurgh! I don't think it's strange that you enjoy being a stepmother but dont want to have children yourself, I imagine despite the challenges it's sort of a best of both worlds. Not the same I know, but my friend adopted 2 siblings, and people always say oh sorry you couldn't have your own as if adoption was second best, but they actually chose to adopt and have no indication they wouldn't be able to have their own.

As a parent, I dont find what you've said odd at all and can see why you would prefer to be a good step parent (and then hand them back and have time to yourself).

Having your own children is so demanding ALL the time, especially the early years.

Women can’t do right from doing wrong when it comes to having kids. It’s great you enjoy your stepchildren and no one else’s business.

Yes it does feel women can’t do anything right when it comes to the children decision!

I don't think it's odd at all. We all want different things. I can't think of anything worse than having more than three children. But people do.

It’s a shame stepmums don’t get some better press!! Rather than always being viewed in an negative way!

Of course it is, I wasn't fussed about children then had a change of heart and we had one when I was 31 (now 34) obviously love him to bits and wouldn't change him but I could of happily managed without and had my partners kids EOW Then enjoyed the freedom the rest of the time haha

I think that’s a big reason why I enjoy it - I can get my child fix of a weekend without the full responsibility / worry then I can enjoy my spare time too. But so many people nowadays seem to assume still that all women must have biological children!

I don’t think it’s all. Step parenting is a whole different world.

I wish I'd just stuck with my stepdaughter to be honest, she's a lot better than my own two!

Lol that made me smile wtfdidwedo!