Korean Job Discussion Forums

Skywalker26 · Joined: 13 Jun 2003 Location: Up the Kyber Pass

I have been mulling the topic over.....bit of a personal development, but I do believe that don't want to have children. I am a teacher by trade and as much as I love teaching children, I shy away from the idea of being responsible of having one of my own.

No argument with those who want kids. I mean, by all means breed away.
But I wonder how many of you out there frown at those who don't want children.

Is it selfish of me?

indiercj · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

Just imagine your dad asking himself that question (put your own age) years ago.

formerflautist · Joined: 30 May 2006

People do tend to frown on those of us who don't want kids. But are we wrong for acknowledging that perhaps we're not cut out to be parents? Being a parent is a 24/7 job and it's not a job that everyone can handle or even wants. I think it's more selfish to have children because that's what's expected.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Corporal · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

It's becoming far more acceptable not to want/have kids now than it used to be; still, if you're feeling as if you're alone in that, check out these links:

www.bratfree.com
www.childfree.net

Interesting reading/food for thought, some of it, but there is a LOT of anger. People like tzechuk probably can't handle it over there.

Natalia · Joined: 10 Mar 2006

I didn't know people thought it was a crime not to have children. Maybe 'Western' culture really is extremely different from place to place. My parents have a considerable number of friends (read 'ESL teacher's parents' age') who chose not to have children, and I'm sure there was a lot more stigma attached to it then than now.

I have seven cousins between twenty-one and forty, and none of them have children. And we're Catholic. My parents wouldn't mind having grandchildren, but also know there is a good chance they won't be getting any.

I wouldn't say never, but certainly it's not something I want now.

I think people are 'settling down' a hell of a lot later than people did even a generation ago. Just look at all of us over here in Korea when we should have set up a nice little home in the suburbs back home by now.

VanIslander · Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 6:08 am Post subject:

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

jessiaka · Joined: 07 Jan 2006

As an Early Childhood Educator, I think it is completely unselfish of yourself to not want to have children. If someone doesn't think they can provide enough love and guidance to a child, then I think it's extremely responsible of them to not want to have children.
I've seen some very, very sad things in my short time (thus far) as an ECE in Canada, and out here as well. Some people should not have children.

PS: I don't want to have children myself, but only because I am perfectly happy with my man and my dog. Haha. That and I plan to open an Infant/Toddler centre when I return to Canada, and trust me, working in I/T you get your fill of babies (but I LOVE it! Just don't want to have to come home to one of my own that will eventually grow up, hahahaha).

EFLtrainer · Joined: 04 May 2005

Personally, I think the world is heading for a black hole/New Middle ages, so pat yourself on the back. Unless, of course, you think among your progeny is/are the savior(s) of the world. In that case, how dare you, you selfish bas tard!!!

Ah, therein lies the rub.

Pun un, then fully in, tended.