Amid constant social changes, people’s behavior regarding family formation is also evolving. In Brazil and around the world, more and more couples are choosing to be together, but decide together what the best option is for both: to have or not to have children?

Data provided by the Institute for Applied Economic Research (Ipea) together with the National Household Sample Survey (PNAD) from IBGE show that the number of childless couples increased from 13.5% to 18.8% over a ten-year period.

Having children is no longer a decision made solely due to social pressure, and this is mainly due to changes in the professional sphere for women. Today, women are just as responsible for household finances as men, and there’s not always time for both to invest psychologically and emotionally in parenthood.

Main Reasons for Not Having Children?

Increased Expenses

Amid the complicated financial situation in Brazil, this is one of the main reasons pointed out. Having a child requires good financial preparation to meet the needs of the child, which are not few. Expenses begin the moment you find out about the pregnancy, and believe me, that’s just the beginning—a lot more investment lies ahead.

Fear of Childbirth and Physical Changes

Just thinking about the pain of childbirth or even the possibility makes many women shudder. It’s not only the pain and contractions that frighten, but also the sudden changes that happen to a woman’s body. Weight gain, some stretch marks, and sagging are consequences of motherhood, which scares many women off.

Will I Be a Good Mother or Father?

Couples who choose not to have a child question themselves about this. Parenthood is not only about financial preparation, but mainly emotional and psychological readiness. With growing responsibilities at work and the daily race against time to accomplish commitments, many couples wonder if they will have the time, emotional availability, and physical energy to meet the needs important for raising and educating a child.

Prioritizing the Professional Field

As mentioned, children require time and dedication. Some couples do not believe that an ideal family is just a good job and money to pay for a nanny, a good school, and courses for the child. Considering themselves absent and without time to spare, it’s common for both to decide the best choice is not to have a baby. Without parenthood, they can dedicate themselves fully to their professional lives, guilt-free.

Loss of Social and Sexual Life

Although this is not a rule, it’s a reason mentioned by some couples who choose not to have children. Especially after birth, the mother becomes fully devoted to caring for the baby, who generally doesn’t have a set routine and can quickly turn the parents’ day-to-day life upside down, including their sex life.

Social life is another recurring concern among couples, as they believe a child requires specific places and they won’t be able to take a child to the environments they enjoy and frequent. When you have a child, their well-being is always a priority for parents and that could interfere with the desire to travel and go to unusual places.

Reasons to Have a Child

Fulfillment

Even with countless social changes and detachment from traditional standards, the dream of having a family with the presence of children is still a desire and a comfort for many couples. Motivated by the indescribable feeling of parenthood and the chance to see love reflected in their child, the traditional family is still a source of happiness and fulfillment for many.

Enjoying Children

Some people just love children and want to have their own. Taking care, playing, and educating come naturally to couples who dream about this and can’t wait for a baby to arrive.

Fear of Regret

Some couples feel insecure about postponing parenthood or simply not having children and later regretting it. Old age and the possibility of loneliness in the absence of children and grandchildren lead them to discard the idea of not having children, as they believe it’s essential for the present and especially the future.

Dedication and Unconditional Love

The desire to watch their belly grow and understand that the person being created depends exclusively on the mother is a unique feeling for women. Watching the child grow and suddenly realizing that your child has inherited some of your habits, features, and personality are special moments that show just how perfect nature and its formation can be.

Having a child is not only about giving but also about evolving, growing, and becoming a better person from a different perspective.

See Also: Changes in Life with the Arrival of a Baby

Photo: Takmeomeo