Rising Anti-Child Movement...Parents BE AWARE

[Pete's Mom]

Originally posted by gymnasticsmom68
We have a couple of them on the DIS.

Yes, we do and they love to refer to parents as "breeders".

 

[Tinkerbelle739]

Is this news?

I think it is perfectly acceptable to NOT want children. In some instances I think it is very smart to know that YOU would not be a good parent. A group of childless couples, why not? Why not get together with people who have the same interests as you?

As a parent, what do I care what childless people think about my children? I will tell you, I dont care at all what they think. My DH will continue to hang his childrens pictures at work and share his stories with his co-workers and if they dont want to hear them, then they can keep on walking!

If you go to Disney World and you dont like the behavior of children, then why are you there? I encountered that at WDW this past Oct when I met a DIS couple. We "accidently" went on several rides with them and even sat next to them during one and I will tell you it was ashame how children were ruining their experience at Philharmagic. They didnt like them reaching out for the objects or that they were oohing and aahing. ( They were not speaking about my children so this is not about my own.)

I also question the parents who subject their children to an apartment complex that has such strict rules regarding children and their toys. But, it is their choice as to where to live. How about advocating the practice of us all NOT having children, what are you kidding me? As John Stossel would say, "Give me a Break".

Wishing everyone a "magical" day!

 

[Hagred]

Originally posted by helenabear
Just remember, childless not not equate to a hatred of children...

Exactly. And I understand completely about how singles and married's with no kids would want their peace and quiet. I don't hate kids, but I DO enjoy my quiet Saturday and Sunday mornings without having to be woken up by the sounds of loud kids outside.

I'm going to be very happy when "Adults Only" won't mean just porn theaters and sleazy bars anymore. It'll mean a peaceful, relaxed and romantic date with no worries that the mood might be broken by screams and loud laughs from the under 10 crowd.

Regarding the office and "just keep walking" when people are constantly talking about their kids, I do. I also "just keep walking" when coworkers want to sell stuff for their kid's school.

I don't hate kids. I don't think they should be banned. I just want a few places for myself where I can go and have a good time and not have to deal with ANYONE's children.

I don't think that's too much to ask.

 

[pixiemomma]

Originally posted by Hagred
Exactly. And I understand completely about how singles and married's with no kids would want their peace and quiet. I don't hate kids, but I DO enjoy my quiet Saturday and Sunday mornings without having to be woken up by the sounds of loud kids outside.

I'm going to be very happy when "Adults Only" won't mean just porn theaters and sleazy bars anymore. It'll mean a peaceful, relaxed and romantic date with no worries that the mood might be broken by screams and loud laughs from the under 10 crowd.

Regarding the office and "just keep walking" when people are constantly talking about their kids, I do. I also "just keep walking" when coworkers want to sell stuff for their kid's school.

I don't hate kids. I don't think they should be banned. I just want a few places for myself where I can go and have a good time and not have to deal with ANYONE's children.

I don't think that's too much to ask.

Not to say anything about your viewpoint but it is somewhat amusing coming from someone who's screename is taken from a character in a children's book.

 

[Robinrs]

Most of the people I know without kids or do not like kids are usually big kids themselves. I agree with MAC3, what if they're parents felt that way?

I was nearly forty when I had my child so I've lived both lives. Choice is just that, choice. When I read the title of this thread I thought that there was a group about to come and take our kids away from us....

Take it from one who knows, there will ALWAYS be people who have a different point of view and I don't want to list the names I've had to endure in my lifetime. I frankly think it was unnecessary to give them the ink they wanted... must've been a SLOOOOW news week.

 

[Rajah]

Originally posted by Robinrs
Most of the people I know without kids or do not like kids are usually big kids themselves.

So it takes having kids to "grow up", huh? Interesting sentiment.

 

[airhead]

I love kids,all ages. Thankfully I have many nieces and nephews of all ages to do stuff with. If you read the WHOLE article,you would understand a little bit more why these people feel the way they do. It seems to me that a lot of what they're complaining about is being treated differently because they have chosen to NOT have kids. How would you feel, if you(were childfree)were always asked to stay at work a little longer,expected to be the one who traveled(cuz you have no kids),asked to do some work
at home( because the office work was behind due to parents at home with sick kids). How would you feel? I think what happens is childfree people get tired of picking up the slack. Don't say it doesn't happen,cuz it does! And now,we have special parking places for people with kids. How is that fair!! Why should you be able to park close to the mall entrance because you have kids? Not fair. These things make people feel angry.
I don't mind hearing about the cute little things your kids do,as long as you listen to my stories about the funny things my dogs do!!

 

[shep]

 

[2bemarried]

Originally posted by helenabear
I'll throw out my two cents again and then hopefully will find the strength to shut up

The choice to have kids or not, isn't always an easy one. We all have to admit that we look at some people and think that they are not "fit" to be parents (whether they really are or not). I know some who do not have kids and their choice was a long thought out decision keeping in mind the best interest of any possible children. Some of these people are the most giving and loving people in the world. Some even love to work with kids because they like kids, but just do not feel they can do it on their own. I am sure some would even be wonderful parents but are too scared to take that step. And yes, some I know are simply afriad of being a failure of a parent.

Just remember, childless not not equate to a hatred of children...

Maybe I am touchy because I am 27, do not have kids yet (not discounted yet either) but I do feel pressure to have them whether we are ready for it or not. It's not as easy as you would think to have co-workers/friends/family bug you left and right about something you can't be sure will/can happen.

The last point is SO true. It gets annoying when coworkers are constantly hitting at kids and asking how much longer we're going to wait. We'll wait as long as we want to!!!

I'm going to be very happy when "Adults Only" won't mean just porn theaters and sleazy bars anymore. It'll mean a peaceful, relaxed and romantic date with no worries that the mood might be broken by screams and loud laughs from the under 10 crowd.

Even parents know that they like to go out to eat WITHOUT the kids. It's just simply the fact that others need to be courteous...if the kid is screaming..TAKE IT OUTSIDE!! As for the loud laughing from the under 10 crowd...let them laugh, they're harmless. It's the group of 15 women laughing like banshee's that gets annoying!

 

[ChibiJones]

Maybe I am touchy because I am 27, do not have kids yet (not discounted yet either) but I do feel pressure to have them whether we are ready for it or not.

Same here, except I'm 28. Right now, we can't afford a baby & I'm in law school. However, my mother had 4 kids before going back to college and she is adamant about me finishing my education first.

What irritated me about the article when I read it over the weekend, was their take on housing issue. I don't know too many young people who walk out of college graduation and into a 3-5 bedroom house. So, where exactly are we supposed to live? We can't afford anything bigger, yet we're sick of college-student-ghetto life. After being kept up half the night by parties and loud music, I'd rather hear kids play.

 

[CEDmom]

Originally posted by airhead
I love kids,all ages. Thankfully I have many nieces and nephews of all ages to do stuff with. If you read the WHOLE article,you would understand a little bit more why these people feel the way they do. It seems to me that a lot of what they're complaining about is being treated differently because they have chosen to NOT have kids. How would you feel, if you(were childfree)were always asked to stay at work a little longer,expected to be the one who traveled(cuz you have no kids),asked to do some work
at home( because the office work was behind due to parents at home with sick kids). How would you feel? I think what happens is childfree people get tired of picking up the slack. Don't say it doesn't happen,cuz it does! And now,we have special parking places for people with kids. How is that fair!! Why should you be able to park close to the mall entrance because you have kids? Not fair. These things make people feel angry.
I don't mind hearing about the cute little things your kids do,as long as you listen to my stories about the funny things my dogs do!!

I understand what you're saying. Before I became a parent I was one of those people who stayed late, worked weekends etc. I did it because I wanted to get ahead in my career and it was an easy way to show my committment. Now that I'm a mom my priorities have changed and for that I'm paying a price. Although I'm still working I don't get raises and promotions like my coworkers do because I'm not putting forth the effort that would involve. I do my job to the best of my ability but I don't go the extra mile anymore, that's reserved for DD.

When I put forth the extra effort at work I got rewarded now I put forth the extra effort at home and the rewards are immeasurable.

BTW, I don't use those special parking spaces .

One last thing, how's your dog .

 

[believe]

I don't think the individuals are totally against kids, since most of their professions involved kids...they just don't want any of their own. I have 2 very good friends who don't want children, are great with children...the difference is they don't complain about children.

In this world everyone is discriminated against in one way or another. It is part of life. No matter what choices you make there is always going to be the other side. This is what I feel they need to realize and live with.

 

[disneydragon]

I have to add my 2 cents to this discussion.... Many of you have made some very valid points, so I don't need to go into the whole issue about kids and parenting and who is getting benefits and who isn't. What I want to know is, what kind of wacko area are all of these people living in? It sounds like they must be living somewhere with an adult/child ratio of 1/5000!! In my day to day life, I really don't come in contact with THAT many kids. And it isn't like I'm standing in line at the department store or something and have weird parents whip their kids' pictures out of their wallets to show me. The only people who talk to me about their children are my friends and relatives, so there must be something in the water wherever all of these "other" parents are, who shove their kids in the face of total strangers or hunt you down at work to tell you stories of their latest "herd addition". (Hey, if we are going to be calling parents "breeders", let's go whole hog, people...) It sounds as though the people who are part of this anti-child movement are expecting to be able to go anywhere and do anything without seeing, smelling, hearing about, or being reminded of children. Sorry, that's not gonna happen, folks...... Not while you are living on this planet. (Which I realize some of you aren't, based on the bizarre attitudes toward children. Didn't you all used to be one? Or did you just emerge as a fully grown adult?) -- Pardon my rant, but I had to say something.

 

[LadyAurora]

I think a group of adults who don't have children is fine...sometimes those of us who don't have kids (yet?) want to talk to other adults about things....other than children. But why try to legislate against kids or families (or exclude them in a sneaky manner)?
I don't think the government "rewards" or "pays" people to procreate.
And they should stop whining about others pressuring them to have the children they have decided against...try listening to it when you ARE trying and just can't...and you're over 30.
Maybe if parents would use more common sense about where they take their children (please don't hurt me) the non-parents could calm down a little. There are places that adults shouldn't expect to see kids...R-rated movies...late shows...fancy restaurants...grocery stores after bedtime...
On the other hand...if you go to a place that is meant for children or FAMILIES...such as Disney World...you should expect to see children enjoying themselves and acting child-like.

 

[airhead]

You get it!!! THANKYOU!

My dogs are doing just fine,thanks for asking!
You sound like a great mom. Your little girl is very lucky to have a parent like you! Your priorities are right where they should be!

 

[airhead]

Discrimination should NEVER be something we learn to accept. Never.

 

[luvwinnie]

I am in the childfree by choice group...but I LOVE BEING an aunt. I am very close to my nieces. I just don't feel that "maternal desire" and I would not want to leave a child in daycare (just my personal preference) and could not afford to stay home. I also have health issues that would make it tough.

I view children as I do adults...some I like, some I don't. Every adult is different...and so is every child.

 

[Disney Doll]

Well, this subject always makes for some interesting posts!

I can see both sides of the coin, as I love children, but am unfortunately able to have any of my own. DH and I are fortunate to have family and friends who very generously share their children with us.

First, I don't think children are in danger of being sent off to a "farm" to grow up. I actually think that our society has become more child-focused in the last 10-20 years. I grew up in the "children should be seen and not heard" years, so believe me, how much is heard from children these days shocks me...but that's another topic for another thread .

As a childless person, I can tell you that much of the world is based around people with kids. Many of the examples stated in the article:
1. healthcare costs
--why do 2 people pay the same monthly cost as 5 people?,
2. work expectations
--Mary had to leave right at 5 because little Jimmy has soccer practice, but I know you can stay late to finish this project because you don't have those responsibilities,
--Jane had to leave because little Susie got sick, so you'll have to pick up her workload to keep this place running smoothly
--Why can't you work Christmas? you don' have kids!(my personal favorite)
3. Other work related benefits
--savings or time-banking for daycare/child care needs

I don't have a problem with my tax dollars going to pay for schools that I am never going to use, because I am smart enough to understand that the quality of the school system in any given town directly correlates to the desirability/undesirability of that town, which directly affects property value. Plus I agree that children are tomorrow's leaders and citizens, and a good education is paramount to produce quality in both. I do have a problem with the school board thinking they don't owe the taxpayers an explanation of how the money is used, but again, another debate for another thread .

Just because someone doesn't want to spend every waking moment with a child, or wants to enjoy some adult-only time or adult-only experience, doesn't make them a child-hater. Those people that call parents "breeders" are obviously on the fringe...every group has it's fringe members, so let's not get all up in arms over them, OK??? They do not represent the views of the majority of child-free people in the world, OK?

If I am not in the mood to deal with a lot of kids, I stay away from Chuck E. Cheese's. I would expect that parents would make the same decision when determining whether or no to take little Johnny to the opera, or to Le Expensive French Restaurant. And I know, little Johnny's behavior may not be any worse than the drunk at the next table. The difference is that I can get the drunk tossed out.

 

[disneydragon]

Originally posted by luvwinnie
I am in the childfree by choice group...but I LOVE BEING an aunt. I am very close to my nieces. I just don't feel that "maternal desire" and I would not want to leave a child in daycare (just my personal preference) and could not afford to stay home. I also have health issues that would make it tough.

I view children as I do adults...some I like, some I don't. Every adult is different...and so is every child.

SO true! Let's start a movement to get rid of loud, obnoxious ADULTS!!!

 

[Hagred]

Originally posted by LadyAurora
Maybe if parents would use more common sense about where they take their children (please don't hurt me) the non-parents could calm down a little. There are places that adults shouldn't expect to see kids...R-rated movies...late shows...fancy restaurants...grocery stores after bedtime...
On the other hand...if you go to a place that is meant for children or FAMILIES...such as Disney World...you should expect to see children enjoying themselves and acting child-like.

Exactly. And, again, I'm not against kids and I shouldn't have to keep saying that, but people just aren't getting it and I wonder if its the 'not getting it' part that makes the childless so angry.

Before I moved from my last city, I used to go to a very nice restaurant called "The Black Swan". Expensive meals, good champagne, nice people, dressed in their finest, enjoying candlelight dinners. It's considered the BEST romantic place to take your date.

There was an atmosphere there (that came with the price) and that atmosphere would have been hopelessly ruined by bringing children in. Even QUIET children. It's easier to sneak a quick smooch (not a groping makout) when you don't have to worry about what the children will see.

All I'm saying is that there are scores of other places to take your kids. Please leave us SOME places where those of us with kids won't have to deal with them.