Childfree

[Locke]

Kids are for chumps and the weak.

That said though, small fingers can do some very intricate embroidery, you'd be surprised.

Kids can be alright, you just have to learn how to exploit them properly.
No seriously though, kids can be alright, but they are a huge responsibility. I only deal with them for 2 hours a week and its a ton of work.

Childfree? You mean the lucky ones?

[Jagger]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

I've been married for just over 3 years and my wife is somewhat giving me the ultimatum these days. She claims that once she's 30 that she's too old. Which to me seems a bit dramatic.

That is very dramatic. My wife had our first child when she was 30, turning 31. We are now having our fourth(!) child in January when she will be 40, turning 41.

No way did I consider that I would have four kids when I was younger. Now, I just couldn't imagine not having them. They are awesome. Christmas, birthdays, and any special occasions are just so much more fun now. You see the fun in everything again because everything is just so new to your kids. Sure, it's work but it really is worth it. If you are a selfish person though, don't do it.

BTW, I'm a huge video game player, always have been, and having kids has not changed that at all.

edit: Oh, and for those that say you have to give up lot's of things once you've had kids, that hasn't been the case with us. Sure, we don't travel quite as much as we used to but our 9 year old has been to England (twice), Florida, California, Yellowstone. We are planning another trip to Europe next year with 4 kids! We own a house and a cabin, we have nearly every game console, we own GPS's, MP3 players, computers, a canoe, a kayak etc. I'm not trying to boast, only pointing out that those who say that kids cost too much are completely exaggerating. I have a decent paying job, for sure, working mainly on commission but the cost of kids is not as bad as people make out.

[pope04]

Originally Posted by SportsJunky

Bah, we have been trying for two years and so far nothing. My wife's baby fever has now been spread to me and every month we cross our fingers. We have done some tests and it looks like invitro fertilization is on our horizon. Doc says it runs about $10,000 per attempt and that gets you a 50/50 shot at pregnancy(best success rate of any clinic in the country). Weird...I never thought I would want it so much.

Come and babysit for me. The feeling will pass.

Seriously, good luck. You'll have to keep us posted.

[Rathji]

Being a new dad (My daughter is 10 weeks old ), there is nothing I would trade for the feeling I get when she looks into my eyes and smiles like the happiest baby in the world.

Of course, I am the guy who got puked on 2 times and wont change his shirt because it is a badge of honor.

[Buff]

Originally Posted by Tron_fdc

As far as kids go, you guys should try having mormons as in-laws, and living in sin with a girl for 7 years who despises children. It's like she's a failure in their eyes, which puts us on the bullet train to hell for not adding to the flock

She is a failure in their eyes. I know a girl, who isn't mormon but has plenty of mormon relatives. They have told her that she is a detriment to society because she is over the age of 27, isn't married and doesn't have kids.

[Flames_Gimp]

I have a dog and she is enough of a responsibility for me. who needs kids

[habernac]

5 years ago, I asked my wife to marry me. A while before that, I asked the question "in ten years, if you were still with me, but had no kids, would that be ok?" She answered yes without hesitation. I bought the engagement ring that day.

A few years later, I changed my mind. We now have an almost 2 year old boy. I was a first time Dad at age 36. I can't imagine life without him. You will never know unconditional love until you first see your child.

There's lots of time to figure out whether or not to have kids (it helps when you marry someone 8 years younger, too).

I never liked people who put pressure on others to have kids. They can certainly be a handful. And why have one if you're not going to be happy being a parent?

[smithtofuhr86]

Being a father is great, but I don't blame a person for holding off on having kids or not wanting them at all. With all the pressures in a growing city it's hard enough to take care of ourselves let alone someone else. Also with the cost of living, if you factor in kids needs the expenses add up. Plus in a city like ours it's almost scary to have a child when you look at daycare crunches, the crime / violence, school issues, school busssing issues, some idiotic drivers....it's a lot! The one thing I found to be the toughest is your kid depends on you for everything, it's a lot of pressure. There is nothing in this world like kids though, there lots of work but lots of fun. I know kids are cute when there younger but I actually look forward to seeing my little one get older so we can do things like go to hockey games, Calaway Park, the Stampede etc.

[Fozzie_DeBear]

33 years old and am looking forward to becoming a first time dad in a few months...am I excited? hell ya! Do I REALLY know what I am doing? &^%$ no, but it is going to be a great time...am I going to miss the freedom to travel, snowboard whenever, party etc. You betcha, but it will be totally worth it..........

I hope