Some people are dead-set on never wanting children, but many fall somewhere in the middle.
The reality is that it’s a deeply personal decision.
Only you’re free to answer whether or not you will regret not having kids.
JGI / Tom Grill / Getty Images
If you’re struggling with regret, talking to a therapist can be a helpful step.
Do Others Regret Not Having Kids?
Youre not alone, though.
Just a decade ago, more than 60% of peoplesaid they wanted children, but now its changed.
But still, it can be hard sometimes to parse what you really want from the societal messaging.
“What does she imagine having done with her life?
And does she imagine experiencing regret?
Would that regret in any way diminish her lived experiences?
“, Lawson asks.
She says she asks themwhat that would regret would feel likeand how it might influence their life.
People can regret all sorts of decisions they make in their lives.
But that doesnt mean those decisions and that regret are going to drastically affect their ability to be happy.
What If You Decide Not to Have Children?
But having children is no guarantee for how things will turn out, says Lawson.
Or, if there is no biological option for you, you may want tocarefully consider adoption.
Speak With a Therapist
This is an incredibly important, difficult, and weighty decision.
Its OK to adjust the expectations that you made when your life looked very different.
If you are feeling incredibly ambivalent, Lawson recommends talking to a therapist.
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