Why do some people get offended with child free folks?

Question

I try to avoid telling people I don't want children, since some get very offended even when explain that I don't hate children.

Why do people get offended? Is it a religious thing?

I've a very busy individual and I've never really cared for infants and I've never wanted to be pregnant. ( It seems to parasitic to me, I'd rather adopt one several years old.)

It's just a strange reaction to me when people get offended with me for not having children. I don't act hateful about it (what's there to be hateful about?)

Answer 1

i suppose it's an expectation of society to multiply. we are expected to fit into the molds of the modern day roles of a "good citizen", one of those roles being a child-raiser. "good citizens should raise more good citizens to rule the world." if we choose not to do what society expects of us, some people might view us as worthless and useless since we aren't doing what everyone else is dutifully doing. it's like when we look down at people who don't have jobs. we might think that they are worthless beings who can't contribute to society through social status and wealth.
another spin on it is definitely religion. I'm pretty sure that Christianity would claim that a marriage that isn't consummated is corrupt because that shows that the couple married for their own pleasure, and be "fruitful and increase in number".

of course, i think that's a load of crap. the world's too crowded as it is! if you don't want to have kids, that's fine.

Answer 2

As a parent, I'll let you in on the secret.

Parenting is highly overrated. Even when you have wonderful children, an easy time bringing them up, and they are eminently successful, there is always some disappointment to go with the tremendous amount of work and hopes and tribulations that parenting requires.

So if you say you want to skip any of that (adopt, which makes perfect sense to me) or all of that (not go the parenting route at all), people are insanely jealous of your ability to rationally figure out what works best for you.

I expect LOTS of thumbs down, but, there it is. The truth.

Answer 3

theres nothing hateful about it, people get offended because they have trouble having children or think highly of having children almost like a gift (though that is the most inconvenient gift ever) they just fail to see all the circumstances in your situation, and some religions do encourage larger family's

Answer 4

Before I had kids, I felt the same way. I would politely tell them that my family was already complete, and if I chose to have kids, it would add to it.

Answer 5

That's your choice. It's too bad you are made to defend it.

People think what's right for them is right for you, too.

If you know you don't want any kids, then don't have any.

I'm a mom and totally respect your decision. Hugs!!!

Answer 6

Cause they are goofy. Let them be them and you be you.