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Originally Posted by crazyflamingos
[font="Comic Sans MS"]Here are some of the reasons that I have gleaned from various conversations and readings on why people have children. Some of them are also representative of my own feelings on why I would have had children had I chosen to do so.
Most of them seem pretty selfish to me.
Perhaps you know of other reasons that are not so selfish.
[list][*]Some have children because they believe it brings meaning and purpose to their life.
[*]Some have children because the birth control failed.
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How is allowing a human to live vs aborting it selfish?
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[*]Some have children so there will be someone to care about them in old age
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I've never met anyone who had children for this reason. Children don't owe their parents anything and there is no guarantee that any child will care for you when you're older.
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[*]Some have children from narcissism; they want to mold someone in their own image.
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I don't know if continuing the species is "selfish" per say. Love of humanity and all.
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[*]Some want sons to carry on the family name after the parents die.
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It's hard to guarantee you have a son.
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[*]Some have children because they simply love children and want someone to care for. (Much like some of us keep pets)
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Since when is wanting to care for another living thing selfish?
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[*]Some have children because they think that's what you do when you grow up;spouse, family or friends may tell them that is what they are supposed to do.
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Doing something because you feel you have a duty to do it isn't exactly selfish. Perhaps misguided but not selfish.
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[*]Some have a child in a misguided effort to hold on to a failing relationship
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This one I'd agree is selfish.
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[*] Some have a child because they feel unloved and believe their own child will have to love them unconditionally.
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This is somewhat stupid and again there's no guarantee your child will always love you.
How anyone can say having children is "selfish" is beyond me. If anything selfish generally goes out the window when you have children and you get a big lesson in sacrifice.