Not everyone should have children, just like not everyone should have a dog.

Did I just compare having a child with having a dog? Yep! Both are expensive, require care, attention, discipline, and responsible ownership/parenting- children even more so.

I know plenty of people wjo have children who absolutely shouldn't. Poor parenting seems to be more common these days.

If people choose to have children, great! But don't make yourself out to be the savior of the world simply because you made that choice. Get over yourself.

Deciding not to have children doesn't make one any less empathetic, compassionate, or selfless than someone with a school of them. Choosing to be childless doesn't mean we don't learn how to love unconditionally. And trust me, there are plenty of parents who put conditions on their love and how they show it.

To mirror @Moon Bastet's sentiment: "Many parents are overworked, tired, uncaring, irritable, depressed, spread too thin, cruel, absent, selfish, and the list goes on." I 100% agree with this!

I also agree with her point: There are too many unwanted children in foster homes, living in poverty, and being brought up in a society that doesn't want them. These aren't our next doctors or lawyers. They're criminals in the making, statistically speaking.

I understand being a parent can be very rewarding and life-enriching. You get to raise a little person, watch them evolve and grow, and continue your genes into future generations, leave a legacy.

And no, you don't need to thank my parents for the work I do or how I contribute to society. Those too are my choices. They had nothing to do with it.