Have a Child or Buy a Horse?
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Another option is to adopt a kid who's like >12 who you can set up a good future for without having to spend as much money or 18 years.
A lot of the kids in foster care go homeless when they turn 18, and you could prevent that for someone
I second adoption. I am unsure if I ever want to raise a kid, but if I do, it will be with an existing child that someone doesn't want/can't take care of.
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Serious question. Im new to posting, so if Im doing this wrong please let me know
I am in my 30s and the door is closing on the potential to have a child, which my partner and I do want. The only problem is finances. We live quite alright at the moment. My career is finally feeling like a career, but my research has shown that whichever parent stays home with kiddo (and one of us would, daycare costs suck) ends up with a nerfed career should they try to return to work after the kid is school aged. And 100% we'd want to be able to pay someone to help here and there. Just dealing with home repair, older vehicles, and no parents who live close means we definitely would need a break here and there... and it would be nice to be able to afford that to have a date night here and there. Add to that all the scaries of pregnancy (potential death, permanant incontinence risk, changed body, list goes on) and the world we're currently in and... you get it.
On the flip side. Tons of folks are childfree, so there wouldn't be any shortage of people willing to travel and stay up late on weekends alongside us. We could prioritize fun, including... drum roll please... my lifelong dream of having a horse. We don't own land, so costs would go to a boarding facility, a vehicle that can tow a trailer, and care/training for the beast. Id never have tk wonder if I have enough time and money to care for both a kiddo and a horse.
Now, I get that this may read like I've already made up my mind. I love the idea of having a child, sharing the world with them, watching them grow into their own person. My partner would be a stable and fantastic parent. But the cons against it feel real. Can I ask for opinions? I am particularly interested in the pro-child ones. Thanks!
Tldr: pros and cons of having kid vs horse seem unfairly stacked. Help lmao.
Edit: Thank you everyone for your replies! I enjoyed reading them. I think a few people took the question too literally and/or believed I would really base such a huge decision on the opinion of internet strangers. That is not true. I did appreciate all the perspectives, however. The horse I refer to would be a real horse, but it also refers to all the other things in life a child free existence has brought those who live that lifestyle.
Barring extreme circumstances, we actually already have decided to have children. I REALIZE THIS IS A VERY PERSONAL DECISION. Each individual must decide for themselves what seems best for them personally. Our friend group is incredibly child free for various reasons, all of which are good reasons that I respect and Im happy for them that they are resolute in their choices. All are lovely around kids. They just knew or decided parenthood wasn't what they wanted for themselves, and that's ok.
Just for funsies - Reasons I'm Ambivalent about the Horse:
Without owning land for a horse, boarding sucks and there are always other options. I have connections to take a riding lesson here or there if the horsey itch ever arose, for instance. It is much cheaper to volunteer and take lessons or lease a horse. That and, yes, the horse care never ends and it remains a horse. I've been to rescues where amazing horses are surrendered without a second thought because they became too old or ill to ride, and the owner didn't want an animal around costing money they couldn't ride. Sad. Meanwhile, a child will learn, grow, and eventually become a full fledged human being if all goes well.
I know the world looks like its headed in a terrible direction sometimes, but I also believe it's good to have people who care to have children that they want to raise as good and caring individuals. Biology tells us (or society does) to have kids and so we do, but I also think no one should have a child if they aren't ready to care for them. So many kids are born to parents who end up ill equipped to have them. Regret is frowned upon in parenting circles, but absolutely exists. Our children will never be saddled with such burdens. To piggyback onto this...
I do disagree with those who say if youre questioning whether to have kids, don't have them. Questioning is a great way to consider new angles and ways of thinking you might not have bothered examining before.
I think horses are FAR more expensive than you think they are.
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Serious question. Im new to posting, so if Im doing this wrong please let me know
I am in my 30s and the door is closing on the potential to have a child, which my partner and I do want. The only problem is finances. We live quite alright at the moment. My career is finally feeling like a career, but my research has shown that whichever parent stays home with kiddo (and one of us would, daycare costs suck) ends up with a nerfed career should they try to return to work after the kid is school aged. And 100% we'd want to be able to pay someone to help here and there. Just dealing with home repair, older vehicles, and no parents who live close means we definitely would need a break here and there... and it would be nice to be able to afford that to have a date night here and there. Add to that all the scaries of pregnancy (potential death, permanant incontinence risk, changed body, list goes on) and the world we're currently in and... you get it.
On the flip side. Tons of folks are childfree, so there wouldn't be any shortage of people willing to travel and stay up late on weekends alongside us. We could prioritize fun, including... drum roll please... my lifelong dream of having a horse. We don't own land, so costs would go to a boarding facility, a vehicle that can tow a trailer, and care/training for the beast. Id never have tk wonder if I have enough time and money to care for both a kiddo and a horse.
Now, I get that this may read like I've already made up my mind. I love the idea of having a child, sharing the world with them, watching them grow into their own person. My partner would be a stable and fantastic parent. But the cons against it feel real. Can I ask for opinions? I am particularly interested in the pro-child ones. Thanks!
Tldr: pros and cons of having kid vs horse seem unfairly stacked. Help lmao.
Edit: Thank you everyone for your replies! I enjoyed reading them. I think a few people took the question too literally and/or believed I would really base such a huge decision on the opinion of internet strangers. That is not true. I did appreciate all the perspectives, however. The horse I refer to would be a real horse, but it also refers to all the other things in life a child free existence has brought those who live that lifestyle.
Barring extreme circumstances, we actually already have decided to have children. I REALIZE THIS IS A VERY PERSONAL DECISION. Each individual must decide for themselves what seems best for them personally. Our friend group is incredibly child free for various reasons, all of which are good reasons that I respect and Im happy for them that they are resolute in their choices. All are lovely around kids. They just knew or decided parenthood wasn't what they wanted for themselves, and that's ok.
Just for funsies - Reasons I'm Ambivalent about the Horse:
Without owning land for a horse, boarding sucks and there are always other options. I have connections to take a riding lesson here or there if the horsey itch ever arose, for instance. It is much cheaper to volunteer and take lessons or lease a horse. That and, yes, the horse care never ends and it remains a horse. I've been to rescues where amazing horses are surrendered without a second thought because they became too old or ill to ride, and the owner didn't want an animal around costing money they couldn't ride. Sad. Meanwhile, a child will learn, grow, and eventually become a full fledged human being if all goes well.
I know the world looks like its headed in a terrible direction sometimes, but I also believe it's good to have people who care to have children that they want to raise as good and caring individuals. Biology tells us (or society does) to have kids and so we do, but I also think no one should have a child if they aren't ready to care for them. So many kids are born to parents who end up ill equipped to have them. Regret is frowned upon in parenting circles, but absolutely exists. Our children will never be saddled with such burdens. To piggyback onto this...
I do disagree with those who say if youre questioning whether to have kids, don't have them. Questioning is a great way to consider new angles and ways of thinking you might not have bothered examining before.
If you have to ask for advice for having a child don’t. Don’t bring a child into this world unless you are 100% all in regardless of what others (besides your partner of course) say.
The child has no say in being born, so the parents should be 100% ready for it. Anything less isn’t fair to him or her.
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Doing it if you're not sure at all sure seems like a bad idea, but can you ever be that sure about something you haven't tried?
It's not about being sure about what's involved, but being sure that it is what you want regardless of what's involved.
The reality is no one knows what you're getting into when you have a child, even when it's not your first child.
However, you can be sure you want to commit your life to something without knowing the future.
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OP read the title wrong and then immediately commented, lol.
Guilty. Sorry guy.
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Serious question. Im new to posting, so if Im doing this wrong please let me know
I am in my 30s and the door is closing on the potential to have a child, which my partner and I do want. The only problem is finances. We live quite alright at the moment. My career is finally feeling like a career, but my research has shown that whichever parent stays home with kiddo (and one of us would, daycare costs suck) ends up with a nerfed career should they try to return to work after the kid is school aged. And 100% we'd want to be able to pay someone to help here and there. Just dealing with home repair, older vehicles, and no parents who live close means we definitely would need a break here and there... and it would be nice to be able to afford that to have a date night here and there. Add to that all the scaries of pregnancy (potential death, permanant incontinence risk, changed body, list goes on) and the world we're currently in and... you get it.
On the flip side. Tons of folks are childfree, so there wouldn't be any shortage of people willing to travel and stay up late on weekends alongside us. We could prioritize fun, including... drum roll please... my lifelong dream of having a horse. We don't own land, so costs would go to a boarding facility, a vehicle that can tow a trailer, and care/training for the beast. Id never have tk wonder if I have enough time and money to care for both a kiddo and a horse.
Now, I get that this may read like I've already made up my mind. I love the idea of having a child, sharing the world with them, watching them grow into their own person. My partner would be a stable and fantastic parent. But the cons against it feel real. Can I ask for opinions? I am particularly interested in the pro-child ones. Thanks!
Tldr: pros and cons of having kid vs horse seem unfairly stacked. Help lmao.
Edit: Thank you everyone for your replies! I enjoyed reading them. I think a few people took the question too literally and/or believed I would really base such a huge decision on the opinion of internet strangers. That is not true. I did appreciate all the perspectives, however. The horse I refer to would be a real horse, but it also refers to all the other things in life a child free existence has brought those who live that lifestyle.
Barring extreme circumstances, we actually already have decided to have children. I REALIZE THIS IS A VERY PERSONAL DECISION. Each individual must decide for themselves what seems best for them personally. Our friend group is incredibly child free for various reasons, all of which are good reasons that I respect and Im happy for them that they are resolute in their choices. All are lovely around kids. They just knew or decided parenthood wasn't what they wanted for themselves, and that's ok.
Just for funsies - Reasons I'm Ambivalent about the Horse:
Without owning land for a horse, boarding sucks and there are always other options. I have connections to take a riding lesson here or there if the horsey itch ever arose, for instance. It is much cheaper to volunteer and take lessons or lease a horse. That and, yes, the horse care never ends and it remains a horse. I've been to rescues where amazing horses are surrendered without a second thought because they became too old or ill to ride, and the owner didn't want an animal around costing money they couldn't ride. Sad. Meanwhile, a child will learn, grow, and eventually become a full fledged human being if all goes well.
I know the world looks like its headed in a terrible direction sometimes, but I also believe it's good to have people who care to have children that they want to raise as good and caring individuals. Biology tells us (or society does) to have kids and so we do, but I also think no one should have a child if they aren't ready to care for them. So many kids are born to parents who end up ill equipped to have them. Regret is frowned upon in parenting circles, but absolutely exists. Our children will never be saddled with such burdens. To piggyback onto this...
I do disagree with those who say if youre questioning whether to have kids, don't have them. Questioning is a great way to consider new angles and ways of thinking you might not have bothered examining before.
Adopt the kid, gets around the moral issue of bringing a child into the world. The kid is already in the world, you just provide for them.
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I think horses are FAR more expensive than you think they are.
Yes, but it's awfully difficult to ride a child.
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Adopt the kid, gets around the moral issue of bringing a child into the world. The kid is already in the world, you just provide for them.
And it could skip the part where one of you absolutely must be around at all times.
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If your child is a she, though, bad luck.
I will edit my comment to be more inclusive.
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And it could skip the part where one of you absolutely must be around at all times.
Adopt a teen and put them to work.
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Adopt the kid, gets around the moral issue of bringing a child into the world. The kid is already in the world, you just provide for them.
Is is cheaper than having one the old-fashioned way though?
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This is the right answer. If you really wanted child(ren), you'd have done it already without asking random internet people.
Don't listen to the FOMO, you already know the answer. Close that door and open a different one.
I have kids and I love them so much, but I have had to give up a lot for them. I will never burden them with my struggles or sacrifices, I made the choice to have them, they didn't.
If you are willing to trade a lot of time, money, more time, more money, some sanity and all if your patience, without thinking twice, you want a family. Also, if you and your spouse are emotionally unstable or unwell, you are going to put that into a child's life. Not everyone who can have a family should have one.
One of mine is disabled. It is a LOT. I don't know that he will ever have a normal life. Are you OK to potentially care for one of them for the rest of your life?
There is NOTHING wrong with a child free life. Most people don't consciously choose a family, they just follow a very powerful instinct, having kids doesn't make someone special.
One of mine is disabled. It is a LOT. I don’t know that he will ever have a normal life. Are you OK to potentially care for one of them for the rest of your life?
Bruh, I have depression and my mother is already treating me like I have a disability and a "useless eater" and "burden to society" even though I helped her with her small bussiness, and now they threatened to leave me with none of their assets (as in like inheritance) and giving it all to my older brother.
Jesus christ lol, I wish my soul got incarnated into a different family, wtf is this?!?
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If you have to ask for advice for having a child don’t. Don’t bring a child into this world unless you are 100% all in regardless of what others (besides your partner of course) say.
The child has no say in being born, so the parents should be 100% ready for it. Anything less isn’t fair to him or her.
wrote last edited by [email protected]To add to that, I like to say there's no bad reason to not have kids. Any reason you can think of that you shouldn't have a kid, that's a great reason. There are lots of bad reasons to have kids though.
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Serious question. Im new to posting, so if Im doing this wrong please let me know
I am in my 30s and the door is closing on the potential to have a child, which my partner and I do want. The only problem is finances. We live quite alright at the moment. My career is finally feeling like a career, but my research has shown that whichever parent stays home with kiddo (and one of us would, daycare costs suck) ends up with a nerfed career should they try to return to work after the kid is school aged. And 100% we'd want to be able to pay someone to help here and there. Just dealing with home repair, older vehicles, and no parents who live close means we definitely would need a break here and there... and it would be nice to be able to afford that to have a date night here and there. Add to that all the scaries of pregnancy (potential death, permanant incontinence risk, changed body, list goes on) and the world we're currently in and... you get it.
On the flip side. Tons of folks are childfree, so there wouldn't be any shortage of people willing to travel and stay up late on weekends alongside us. We could prioritize fun, including... drum roll please... my lifelong dream of having a horse. We don't own land, so costs would go to a boarding facility, a vehicle that can tow a trailer, and care/training for the beast. Id never have tk wonder if I have enough time and money to care for both a kiddo and a horse.
Now, I get that this may read like I've already made up my mind. I love the idea of having a child, sharing the world with them, watching them grow into their own person. My partner would be a stable and fantastic parent. But the cons against it feel real. Can I ask for opinions? I am particularly interested in the pro-child ones. Thanks!
Tldr: pros and cons of having kid vs horse seem unfairly stacked. Help lmao.
Edit: Thank you everyone for your replies! I enjoyed reading them. I think a few people took the question too literally and/or believed I would really base such a huge decision on the opinion of internet strangers. That is not true. I did appreciate all the perspectives, however. The horse I refer to would be a real horse, but it also refers to all the other things in life a child free existence has brought those who live that lifestyle.
Barring extreme circumstances, we actually already have decided to have children. I REALIZE THIS IS A VERY PERSONAL DECISION. Each individual must decide for themselves what seems best for them personally. Our friend group is incredibly child free for various reasons, all of which are good reasons that I respect and Im happy for them that they are resolute in their choices. All are lovely around kids. They just knew or decided parenthood wasn't what they wanted for themselves, and that's ok.
Just for funsies - Reasons I'm Ambivalent about the Horse:
Without owning land for a horse, boarding sucks and there are always other options. I have connections to take a riding lesson here or there if the horsey itch ever arose, for instance. It is much cheaper to volunteer and take lessons or lease a horse. That and, yes, the horse care never ends and it remains a horse. I've been to rescues where amazing horses are surrendered without a second thought because they became too old or ill to ride, and the owner didn't want an animal around costing money they couldn't ride. Sad. Meanwhile, a child will learn, grow, and eventually become a full fledged human being if all goes well.
I know the world looks like its headed in a terrible direction sometimes, but I also believe it's good to have people who care to have children that they want to raise as good and caring individuals. Biology tells us (or society does) to have kids and so we do, but I also think no one should have a child if they aren't ready to care for them. So many kids are born to parents who end up ill equipped to have them. Regret is frowned upon in parenting circles, but absolutely exists. Our children will never be saddled with such burdens. To piggyback onto this...
I do disagree with those who say if youre questioning whether to have kids, don't have them. Questioning is a great way to consider new angles and ways of thinking you might not have bothered examining before.
Buy a horse.
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Adopt the kid, gets around the moral issue of bringing a child into the world. The kid is already in the world, you just provide for them.
Eh, that can be pretty complicated.
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I think horses are FAR more expensive than you think they are.
wrote last edited by [email protected]Kids are also not cheap.
I'd be shocked if they had done no research at all.
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Yes, but it's awfully difficult to ride a child.
GOP is sure its possible
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Serious question. Im new to posting, so if Im doing this wrong please let me know
I am in my 30s and the door is closing on the potential to have a child, which my partner and I do want. The only problem is finances. We live quite alright at the moment. My career is finally feeling like a career, but my research has shown that whichever parent stays home with kiddo (and one of us would, daycare costs suck) ends up with a nerfed career should they try to return to work after the kid is school aged. And 100% we'd want to be able to pay someone to help here and there. Just dealing with home repair, older vehicles, and no parents who live close means we definitely would need a break here and there... and it would be nice to be able to afford that to have a date night here and there. Add to that all the scaries of pregnancy (potential death, permanant incontinence risk, changed body, list goes on) and the world we're currently in and... you get it.
On the flip side. Tons of folks are childfree, so there wouldn't be any shortage of people willing to travel and stay up late on weekends alongside us. We could prioritize fun, including... drum roll please... my lifelong dream of having a horse. We don't own land, so costs would go to a boarding facility, a vehicle that can tow a trailer, and care/training for the beast. Id never have tk wonder if I have enough time and money to care for both a kiddo and a horse.
Now, I get that this may read like I've already made up my mind. I love the idea of having a child, sharing the world with them, watching them grow into their own person. My partner would be a stable and fantastic parent. But the cons against it feel real. Can I ask for opinions? I am particularly interested in the pro-child ones. Thanks!
Tldr: pros and cons of having kid vs horse seem unfairly stacked. Help lmao.
Edit: Thank you everyone for your replies! I enjoyed reading them. I think a few people took the question too literally and/or believed I would really base such a huge decision on the opinion of internet strangers. That is not true. I did appreciate all the perspectives, however. The horse I refer to would be a real horse, but it also refers to all the other things in life a child free existence has brought those who live that lifestyle.
Barring extreme circumstances, we actually already have decided to have children. I REALIZE THIS IS A VERY PERSONAL DECISION. Each individual must decide for themselves what seems best for them personally. Our friend group is incredibly child free for various reasons, all of which are good reasons that I respect and Im happy for them that they are resolute in their choices. All are lovely around kids. They just knew or decided parenthood wasn't what they wanted for themselves, and that's ok.
Just for funsies - Reasons I'm Ambivalent about the Horse:
Without owning land for a horse, boarding sucks and there are always other options. I have connections to take a riding lesson here or there if the horsey itch ever arose, for instance. It is much cheaper to volunteer and take lessons or lease a horse. That and, yes, the horse care never ends and it remains a horse. I've been to rescues where amazing horses are surrendered without a second thought because they became too old or ill to ride, and the owner didn't want an animal around costing money they couldn't ride. Sad. Meanwhile, a child will learn, grow, and eventually become a full fledged human being if all goes well.
I know the world looks like its headed in a terrible direction sometimes, but I also believe it's good to have people who care to have children that they want to raise as good and caring individuals. Biology tells us (or society does) to have kids and so we do, but I also think no one should have a child if they aren't ready to care for them. So many kids are born to parents who end up ill equipped to have them. Regret is frowned upon in parenting circles, but absolutely exists. Our children will never be saddled with such burdens. To piggyback onto this...
I do disagree with those who say if youre questioning whether to have kids, don't have them. Questioning is a great way to consider new angles and ways of thinking you might not have bothered examining before.
No kids and a horse atm. Take your money and invest it in yourselves. Horses and kids are expensive as fuck
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Serious question. Im new to posting, so if Im doing this wrong please let me know
I am in my 30s and the door is closing on the potential to have a child, which my partner and I do want. The only problem is finances. We live quite alright at the moment. My career is finally feeling like a career, but my research has shown that whichever parent stays home with kiddo (and one of us would, daycare costs suck) ends up with a nerfed career should they try to return to work after the kid is school aged. And 100% we'd want to be able to pay someone to help here and there. Just dealing with home repair, older vehicles, and no parents who live close means we definitely would need a break here and there... and it would be nice to be able to afford that to have a date night here and there. Add to that all the scaries of pregnancy (potential death, permanant incontinence risk, changed body, list goes on) and the world we're currently in and... you get it.
On the flip side. Tons of folks are childfree, so there wouldn't be any shortage of people willing to travel and stay up late on weekends alongside us. We could prioritize fun, including... drum roll please... my lifelong dream of having a horse. We don't own land, so costs would go to a boarding facility, a vehicle that can tow a trailer, and care/training for the beast. Id never have tk wonder if I have enough time and money to care for both a kiddo and a horse.
Now, I get that this may read like I've already made up my mind. I love the idea of having a child, sharing the world with them, watching them grow into their own person. My partner would be a stable and fantastic parent. But the cons against it feel real. Can I ask for opinions? I am particularly interested in the pro-child ones. Thanks!
Tldr: pros and cons of having kid vs horse seem unfairly stacked. Help lmao.
Edit: Thank you everyone for your replies! I enjoyed reading them. I think a few people took the question too literally and/or believed I would really base such a huge decision on the opinion of internet strangers. That is not true. I did appreciate all the perspectives, however. The horse I refer to would be a real horse, but it also refers to all the other things in life a child free existence has brought those who live that lifestyle.
Barring extreme circumstances, we actually already have decided to have children. I REALIZE THIS IS A VERY PERSONAL DECISION. Each individual must decide for themselves what seems best for them personally. Our friend group is incredibly child free for various reasons, all of which are good reasons that I respect and Im happy for them that they are resolute in their choices. All are lovely around kids. They just knew or decided parenthood wasn't what they wanted for themselves, and that's ok.
Just for funsies - Reasons I'm Ambivalent about the Horse:
Without owning land for a horse, boarding sucks and there are always other options. I have connections to take a riding lesson here or there if the horsey itch ever arose, for instance. It is much cheaper to volunteer and take lessons or lease a horse. That and, yes, the horse care never ends and it remains a horse. I've been to rescues where amazing horses are surrendered without a second thought because they became too old or ill to ride, and the owner didn't want an animal around costing money they couldn't ride. Sad. Meanwhile, a child will learn, grow, and eventually become a full fledged human being if all goes well.
I know the world looks like its headed in a terrible direction sometimes, but I also believe it's good to have people who care to have children that they want to raise as good and caring individuals. Biology tells us (or society does) to have kids and so we do, but I also think no one should have a child if they aren't ready to care for them. So many kids are born to parents who end up ill equipped to have them. Regret is frowned upon in parenting circles, but absolutely exists. Our children will never be saddled with such burdens. To piggyback onto this...
I do disagree with those who say if youre questioning whether to have kids, don't have them. Questioning is a great way to consider new angles and ways of thinking you might not have bothered examining before.
Please don't bring a child into this current shit show world. At least consider adoption, then age isn't an issue anyways and you can spend more time saving in preperation or something.
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Serious question. Im new to posting, so if Im doing this wrong please let me know
I am in my 30s and the door is closing on the potential to have a child, which my partner and I do want. The only problem is finances. We live quite alright at the moment. My career is finally feeling like a career, but my research has shown that whichever parent stays home with kiddo (and one of us would, daycare costs suck) ends up with a nerfed career should they try to return to work after the kid is school aged. And 100% we'd want to be able to pay someone to help here and there. Just dealing with home repair, older vehicles, and no parents who live close means we definitely would need a break here and there... and it would be nice to be able to afford that to have a date night here and there. Add to that all the scaries of pregnancy (potential death, permanant incontinence risk, changed body, list goes on) and the world we're currently in and... you get it.
On the flip side. Tons of folks are childfree, so there wouldn't be any shortage of people willing to travel and stay up late on weekends alongside us. We could prioritize fun, including... drum roll please... my lifelong dream of having a horse. We don't own land, so costs would go to a boarding facility, a vehicle that can tow a trailer, and care/training for the beast. Id never have tk wonder if I have enough time and money to care for both a kiddo and a horse.
Now, I get that this may read like I've already made up my mind. I love the idea of having a child, sharing the world with them, watching them grow into their own person. My partner would be a stable and fantastic parent. But the cons against it feel real. Can I ask for opinions? I am particularly interested in the pro-child ones. Thanks!
Tldr: pros and cons of having kid vs horse seem unfairly stacked. Help lmao.
Edit: Thank you everyone for your replies! I enjoyed reading them. I think a few people took the question too literally and/or believed I would really base such a huge decision on the opinion of internet strangers. That is not true. I did appreciate all the perspectives, however. The horse I refer to would be a real horse, but it also refers to all the other things in life a child free existence has brought those who live that lifestyle.
Barring extreme circumstances, we actually already have decided to have children. I REALIZE THIS IS A VERY PERSONAL DECISION. Each individual must decide for themselves what seems best for them personally. Our friend group is incredibly child free for various reasons, all of which are good reasons that I respect and Im happy for them that they are resolute in their choices. All are lovely around kids. They just knew or decided parenthood wasn't what they wanted for themselves, and that's ok.
Just for funsies - Reasons I'm Ambivalent about the Horse:
Without owning land for a horse, boarding sucks and there are always other options. I have connections to take a riding lesson here or there if the horsey itch ever arose, for instance. It is much cheaper to volunteer and take lessons or lease a horse. That and, yes, the horse care never ends and it remains a horse. I've been to rescues where amazing horses are surrendered without a second thought because they became too old or ill to ride, and the owner didn't want an animal around costing money they couldn't ride. Sad. Meanwhile, a child will learn, grow, and eventually become a full fledged human being if all goes well.
I know the world looks like its headed in a terrible direction sometimes, but I also believe it's good to have people who care to have children that they want to raise as good and caring individuals. Biology tells us (or society does) to have kids and so we do, but I also think no one should have a child if they aren't ready to care for them. So many kids are born to parents who end up ill equipped to have them. Regret is frowned upon in parenting circles, but absolutely exists. Our children will never be saddled with such burdens. To piggyback onto this...
I do disagree with those who say if youre questioning whether to have kids, don't have them. Questioning is a great way to consider new angles and ways of thinking you might not have bothered examining before.
Imagine your future child reads this vapid post. How would they feel, their entire existence and your responsibility for raising them into functional adults set against a fucking horse?
