I voted yes that it is normal because it is their choice not to have children and don't feel it is selfish, but after re-reading this, I now understand why you were questioning 3 out of 4 family members choosing not to have them. Their reasons for not wanting them make me feel like like they experienced some stressful family dynamics and they want to avoid repeating it in their own lives. It could be something as simple as overprotective parents in an overcrowded, noisy home with no privacy to an abusive or neglectful situation inside the home. Or maybe they just don't want kids so that they can be free to do and go at a whim without the burden of added expenses and responsibilities that kids can bring, something they weren't able to experience while at home.

That's normal and people who decide that are responsible and in charge of their lives. Having children is a hugh and noble responsibility; to admit you're not up to it is a sign of maturity.

to be alone, they better not have a child or else that poor kid might end up neglected!

are these people young, some people will say that threy dont want children, but will change thier mind when thaty meet that special someone and suddenly the burden and stress of having children doesnt seen that bad

well it might be normal, but i think that having children is LIFE, i know everyone is different but for example, i dont have children now but i cant think of what else i will do without kids, life will be boring. i just have not met ANY people that are older and not have children and say theyre life is fun, or happy

one of the ones that dont want any children ever in his lifetime is my best friend whick is one of those 3 brothers, i also told him what u said, which is he might think different later, but he said that he is so so positive he will not have any, i just think its weird because i cant imagine being 30,40 and not having kids, i mean its LIFE right??? well i could imagine how boring life would be being all alone. i guess
TO EACH HIS OWN.

I would think it's normal. With the number of mothers out there who are stressed out to the max, and regret that they didn't live their lives the way they wanted to, but instead bought into the "maternal instinct" myth, and the idea that having kids is all sunshine and giggles.

Being a parent to a child is a full-time job. I think saying "I don't want to be a parent because it's not suited for me" is comparable to saying "I don't want to be a lawyer because it is not suited for me".

Oh yeah, I meant to put in mothers and fathers. even though there is more pressure on the mom to want children.

I can't understand people who justify having kids as life and what we are here for. If we look at how much we are stretching the earth's resources and causing our own demise; then it is sensible to face volunatry extinction. We breed like rats and act like them anyway.

Who cares if itīs normal or not.
They donīt wanna have kids so therefore they shouldnīt have kids.

Humans have dirtied up and ruined this planet. Sterilize yourself with a rock.

I made the decision to not have kids long before I got married and happened to find someone who felt the same as I. We both agreed that if you later chose to, we would adopt. As time went by we decided that our life together was perfect for us as it was. Our lives are very full and we are happy, healthy individuals. We go and do as we please with a whim or bother and our lives are financial secure. I can't imagine our lives any other way; I am 49 and my husband is 45 and we have been together for a total of 24 years. Ironically, I was a teacher and that solidified my decision to not have children. I do like kids, but know we made the best decision for us and feel it is the most unselfish thing we could have done.

Some people may decide not to have children because of even more specific reasons than stated above....The person (or someone in the couple), may have a serious health problem like diabetes, or something even more serious (or an even unheard of disease), that may cause a complication in pregnancy, or t they simply just don't want to pass on to any offspring...I think that for one to choose not to have children for those reasons, or simply because they're not ready, shows not a sign of selfishness, but of un-selfishness and real maturity. If they change their minds, They can always adopt...they're plenty of children out there that need a home.

i have 4 siblings and i know what there taking about. have 2 sepnd ther WHOLE life with 3 other people all wanting money, clothes , a ride 2 the mall, and trying 2 go to friends house is not so easy. with so many kids there is so much going on at once. i guess their just tired of it

From my experience, most people do want children. I haven't looked at any sociological studies regarding this, but I imagine that the majority of people do want children, therefore 3 out of 4 is most likely higher than the average, and because of that it's not "normal." ;)

Of course it's "selfish" to decide this sort of thing. The question though is whether that is a bad thing or not.. Thinking of the best thing for oneself is "selfish," but is it always bad? I don't understand why everyone confuses issues by assuming that all selfishness is "bad." I think it's funny though, because that preoccupation they have with being selfish is in itself selfish, because they are thinking of themselves compared to others whilst they think on it..

I say, don't worry too much about it. If you want to try to change their mind and show them that there can be a lot of good from having children, go right ahead, you have that right just as much as they have the right to decide what they're actually going to do. I suggest you don't call them "wierd," "freaks," "selfish," or "bad" or anything like that though. You don't have to judge them as a person to try to persuade them. (beware though. More than likely, they will take it as a personal attack, even if you aren't attacking them.)