To the first lady, you can adopt at any time. I was adopted by a woman who really wanted to be a mother but had shit partners. She said "I have a lot of love to give and I want to be a mother and a man won't prevent me from achieving this" then she saw me at age 3 and the rest was history.

You're NOT SELFISH if you don't want kids!! The selfish thing is to have a kid who you know you can't care for!

And if you don’t want children.. make SURE to protect yourself!! Not wanting children is OKAY

I’m only 23 and have opted out of dating entirely. It is so damaging to my mental health because so many people do not work on themselves. As a woman you’re expected to care for men because poor them, but the moment you don’t make them the centre of your world you’re a bad person. Most of these men don’t care which is why they feel comfortable allowing you to deal with their shortcomings. How am I supposed to see these people as potential mate when they make life harder? Why would I want to produce a second version of them for me to take care of? Marriage and motherhood sounds like my version of a living nightmare. It took me three years to recover from my first and only relationship with a male. Never again, I’m addicted to my alone time and my peace.

That first woman's story is heartbreaking. The ridiculous pressure and shame foisted onto women who don't have children, even if they are infertile or their partner is infertile is sickening and demoralizing. I really feel for this woman.

As a woman my main reason to be childfree is that no man deserves me to go through 9 months of pain and suffering just to have 50% of his genes when he never contributed anything to the whole process. Adding to that, he can still decide to get up and leave at any moment

That first woman needs a huge hug. ♥️

Let's be real...motherhood is all consuming for women. Almost everything falls to the mom, even in today's so called modern society. Women end up completely sacrificing themselves to raise their kids for at least the next 20 years, possibly longer. The man may or may not help and many men, even the good ones, don't share an equal amount of responsibility. The woman is still expected to do the lion's share of work or else she's labeled as selfish or a bad mom. Not a good arrangement for anyone except for the man. 🙄

Our society is also judgemental for women who did have kids and are not in a current relationship. Women get judged and shamed either way unfortunately.

When I was a little girl, my dreams were to be rich, have a nice penthouse in NYC, an amazing wardrobe and a Mustang…I traded the NYC penthouse for a Cali condo and the mustang for a challenger…but even then, just like now, there was NO DESIRE to have kids or get married. I wouldn’t even mother my baby dolls; they were audience members on my cooking talk show and nothing more 😂

please never stop posting these videos. all of these experiences are valid and childfree people deserve to also have a platform to share.

There is an interview I saw a divorce lawyer said If you are a woman stay single but if you are a man get married and that stayed with me 🥰

I never wanted bio kids. I have chronic illnesses and did not want to pass on my genetics. My husband agreed with me even before we got married. I was 30 when we adopted our beautiful daughter. She is healthy and happy and so smart. No, we don't want any more children. I am proud of the women making their stand to do with their bodies as they wish! No more doing what "society" aka our families and friends want. My body My choice.

It's so sad that we have to justify what lifestyle we choose when that choice affects NO ONE. So unfair. I will also be child-free.

I stopped dating too. Mental health struggled and I finally feel peaceful in my life.

I am a mother. I loved being a mother, but I want to be really clear. DO NOT have children unless you are going into it knowing how much work it is, how you can't be yourself for decades, and that knowing all this you still absolutely want to be a mother. Do NOT have a child if you have any reservations. And the women who say that it's all going to fall on you and not the man in your life, this is unfortunately true.

For the first woman, have a conversation with your sibling, it’s not your nieces place to speak to you in that manor. You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone when it pertains to this issue. Especially children.

Your life would be a lot worse if you had kids with the wrong person! I have friends who are going through divorce, custody, lawyers, money, their partner has moved on with someone else, and their kids are only 6 and 8. My friend has to put up with all this crap until the kids turn 18. Can you imagine the stress? I used to want to have kids but I have a fertility issue and the right guy never showed up. Plus, some of the kids I have seen have horrendous behaviour and they expect presents and treats all the time and they have no freaking manners, either! If the opportunity came that I could have a kid and with the right partner, I'm not sure if I would want to go down that road now. My life is quite busy and fulfilling without kids. Don't give yourself such a hard time about not having a child, whatever the reason is. The birth rate is dropping globally because people want to enjoy their lives and they see parenthood as a hindrance more than anything.

Reasons I am not having a kid: 1. I know I can't financially afford a kid. Plain and simple. 2. They're very low on my list of prioritities 3. I need my space at the end of the day. I work with kids all day, and I need quiet at the end of the day. 4. I'm selfish. I like the freedom of not having kids 5. I never really had the "gotta have kids" vibe go off 6. My family history in terms of mental health and physical health conditions. I already have PTSD, Major depression, Hashimoto's, disordered eating/eating disorder behaviors, high cholesterol (under control now), and I would have a STRONG possibility of passing down that stuff. 7. The thought of actually not being interested in my child and what they're doing. Due to my depression, I sometimes struggle with feeling genuine excitement, and kids need LOTS of that, especially when they are young, and the world is a whole new thing to them. 8. The stress and judgement I would recieve on raising my kid. As much as I want to say that we shouldn't be influenced by others, and what they have to think or say, we are. 9. Overstimulation....I get overstimulated by loud noises sometimes, and if my kid is screaming and crying, after I've been with kids all day who also scream and cry....nope. 10. Time. Kids are basically a life long committment, and I feel like I wouldn't be able to be my authentic self if I was always having to focus on them.

I knew since I was a young child that I did not want to have children. When I was 18, 21, and 25 I tried to have my tubes tied and was denied by my doctors because they could not believe that I would not regret it later in life. I am 55 and so very happy that I stayed true to myself and did not bring kids into this warped world.

I used to feel the need to explain that I wasn’t able to have kids and I don’t anymore. When ppl ask me, I just say nope proudly. The looks on their faces is priceless.

I am a Mom, and I chose to be. To you that aren't mothers, you saved me when I was growing up. My mother's friends that were childless, and my aunts that were childless, were 2nd Moms to me. We need your guidance. We need your friendship. And, you are awesome, smart, and level-headed. Ty.❤

Feel for the first women she childless not child free 🆓.

First Lady, oh how I wish we could sit over a cup of coffee. I am 64, never married, no kids and absolutely no discomfort, much less shame over it. Take some time to really get to know yourself, know who you are, what you stand for and work to be the best person you can be. When you know and respect yourself, your opinion of yourself is the one that matters - not the opinions of a bunch of strangers or society. Why would you care what a bunch of strangers who don’t give a rats patootie about you think? they do not matter in your world and you don’t matter in theirs. Be proud of who you are, you are so much more than a baby maker.

I am 37 and childfree and Married. I came to the conclusion I was better off a Aunt than a Mother. There is responsability that comes with Motherhood that just never appealed to me. Being a Mother isn't for everyone and anyone who tells me anything about it,ends up embarassed and mouth wide open so my surrounding knows better. Women need to stop letting society hate the lives they live and the skin they are in. Enough is ENOUGH. Nobody will be there if you have one and struggle.

I just turned 49. I kind of didn’t want kids in my 20s. I thought love and family would “happen naturally” at some point, but it never did. I did not have positive relationships or positive dating experiences, and I knew I didn’t want to be a single parent. I don’t regret being child free, but it deeply saddens me that I have never met “the one”. Loneliness is tough, but deep down I know that being in an unhealthy relationship is worse.

I will carry on NO m¤le's legacy! Not through birthing a child or through marriage. My life is for me and I've known this since I was a teenager. I'm 49 now with zero regrets for turning down marriage proposals and staying childfree.

Kudos to all the ladies who live their lives as they choose. ❤

I’m the same as the first woman. I’m 48 now and haven’t dated in many years. I was so tired of getting hurt by men.

My family tried bullying me about getting married and having children. I resented it because I had never been interested in either, not because I’m “selfish” but because I loved my life too much just as. What is wrong with being happy just as. I’m now in my 50s, and I still feel the same way. Girls, if it isn’t in your calling, do not let people bully you into a marriage or children you do not want 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’m here to tell you, it is awesome being single 🥳 I’m planning to spend my retirement years volunteering with children 😊👍

I will never shame a woman for not having kids! Ever!

Who cares if they don't want children? That is THEIR choice and not anyone else's business. People need to keep their noses out of other people's lives and shut their traps.

I feel as if men were more reliable there would be less women wanting to be chid-free

I dont want kids because I'm tired of taking care of people. I've been caring for people for far sooner and far longer then I should've. I'm still caring for people now and I'm 34 and still waiting for my life to start! And then people are still saying I should have kids because "its a different experience". It's not I cared for my grandpa until the day he died. In that time I changed diapers, gave him baths, made sure he got to doctors appts, etc. I dont want to take care of people for the rest of my life. I am waiting for the day I can come home after work to a quiet house and not have to worry about making sure everyone has eaten or taken their medications.

Never have child u don’t want … those kids will know

I don’t have any kids and fabulous. Ladies who are childless don’t lose yourself for what others say. You have given yourself the opportunity and gift to fulfill a life’s journey to the fullest. Work on yourself and BE fabulous don’t lose or depress yourself, life is grand. You also look younger and fresher, and those that have kids HATE / detest that you have the freedom to BE cause they have to actually work for acquiring what you have access to. 🌟

I grew up in an abusive home. I choose not to have children for fear that I would have been an abusive parent.

Married 30 years and we chose to not have kids. I’m so glad i love other people’s kids. Big brother big sister is a great outlet. Kids need mentors as much if not more than parents. No regrets

I'm 22 years old and single. I give up on relationships because men are too chaotic and dramatic af for me I love spending time on solitude a lot so I'd rather be single and happy rather than getting married and miserable.

I'm child free also. I'm a high risk pregnancy first of all, and I don't want to risk my life for a child just for the sake of having a child. Besides, I'm a black woman and frankly the only black men I've met without kids already haven't been right for me. I won't date a man who has kids with someone else. If we really want children, we can adopt, they'll still call us MOM and love us. I keep a Nexplanon and I enjoy my hobbies.

After you have menopause you will feel much better and the decrease in hormones will keep you more relaxed and more balanced. Peri menopause is the worst. Hit flashes,, insomnia, irritability, weight gain.....But once you've gone 12 months without a period you'll be in menopause. I've been in menopause for 5 years and I love it. And I'm childfree and retired early so my life is about travel and doing what I want. 😉

Heavy on the being able to afford them and its not just basics you need to consider can you afford your kids if they have special need? Can you pay for therapists and medications and all the thhings that may come with that for the rest of their lives? There is no guarantee that your child will be neurotypical can you afford what that would entail. These are thing parents dont think about until they have the child.

I have a young daughter, and although this may sound paradoxical but I always tell her not to have children because I love her so much. To be honest, being a parent really wears me out and there are times I regret it immensely. I wish my daughter could just be herself and live life to the fullest, without having to sacrifice herself for someone else.

Having children is NOT a requirement for women. If you want children go for it. Having children is a life long commitment and not something you should do because you feel pressured. People should just STOP!!!! It’s nobody’s business.

I will leave this here. Every woman I know who LOVES having children and being a mother and or wife is because the man they with is supportive and or they have a great supportive system. I love being a mother and wife, I find it easy for me, no complications, I enjoy the love they give- they are teenagers now and I have been told I keep looking younger year after year. 😊I’m blessed I know but can say this because I have An amazing husband and support system. 20 years happily married I would marry my hubby all over again. I love my in laws, I love my parents, they never hesitate to be there for us. Trust and believed I would sound like these women in this video, if my support was not there. So yes, it does take more than just the mother to raise children, the father should be there or at least some type of support for somewhere else. I do feel sorry for single parents cause it does take away the joy of being a parent when ALL the work is solely on you. I would tell women, unless you have an amazing man by your side and a good support system DO NOT HAVE CHILDREN, you will NOT be happy and this video proves that. Not every woman should have children and not every woman has a good environment to have children. I thank God hubby and I are able to take vacations with or without the children and just live a happy fulfilling life. I personally will never wish my life to be different. God is good. 🙏🏽😊💕

I feel you. Similar happened ro me Believe it or not, i think we were spared. This world is not good enough for my children.

Hopefully one day soon it will be completely normalized for everyone to live their lives exactly how they want to without feeling any societal pressure.

As a woman who sacrificed ALOT for my children I’m not sure it was worth it!

As a woman, above the age of 25, I don’t trust any man to help raise a kid with me. I just don’t. It’s unfortunate but it wasn’t like I was born this way. I observed this growing up, how unfair mothers were treated. Husbands doing the bare minimum or less and running off to cheat. It’s sad really. If men were more consistent, considerate, empathetic, emotionally intelligent and quit being annoying about sex, I’d think about having a child with one. Women don’t have many options. I’m happy women are putting their foot down and choosing not get married or have kids if they don’t feel it’s a fit for them. Like others have said, I’d raise a child with another women. Solidarity ladies ❤❤ also I see the girls 39-50 and I’m like okay I can hang with y’all 😂. I just love women.

Decided NOT to have children at the age of 12. Now 59, and never waivered. Completely at peace with my decision. I understand that 25% of women from generation have actively, concisely made the same decision.

Honestly, kids are rude these days . I always knew, I would just adopt a child, rather then having one. There is alot reasons behind that, however , God blessed me with a cat, therefore I am a cat parent. I want to enjoy my life. Children aren't for everyone.

Once, I heard a woman said..."You are worthless, as a woman if you can't kids" I took my time to educate her cos' i knew that was the spirit of patriarchy talking. The best, thing you can do for the world as a woman is not to have kids. The dis-advantages, is far more than the advantages. Most, importantly you will be saving innocent children the trauma of having to deal with a patriarchal society that is disorganized on every level. Children, are not protected let alone adults. So, what's the point of keeping the system in existence? I know that soon, men will start forcing women to bear children. If you haven't, seen the series "Handmaid tale" you should make out time to watch it. I feel, that movie is a prophecy cos' more women will stop bearing children.

I'm not having kids if I can't provide a better life than my single mother provided for me as an only child. Private schools from Pre-K till University; includes private tutoring for 6 years too Scheduled annual one month vacations... France, UK, Dubai, US.... Live in Nanny/Housekeeper and a chauffeur... We had two owned homes. Monthly allowance starting at age 10 All these happened while growing up in West Africa... I live in the States now... the future seems bleak enough

The last woman. I think about my mom having to be tied to my dad forever too because of me. I don't want that for myself.

Felt sad for the First Lady, I’m surprised people still think like it’s the 1970s . I’m 62 and remember when I was 23 some one asking me why wasn’t I engaged and did I have children. I remember feeling embarrassed and ashamed,I look back and think how ignorant people were and I’m shocked that it’s still being said in today’s society. I left home in my 30s, met my husband and had my daughter at 42, it was the best thing that happened to me, now it seems the norm people are still at home, because there are no places to live in. Shame on people who think we all have an easy run in life, some of us have to wait longer

I wanted/want kids but everyone around me is so unsupportive that I don't have any. I do believe that it takes a village and my village is empty or under sewage....I can't in good conscience bring a child into that. So all I do is re-parent my inner child.

I admire women who are honest about not wanting a child. You do you!!!

I just turned 30 four days ago! And the very ultimate clear feeling I had within me that I haven’t been honest with and avoiding it, is not wanting to have babies and the responsibility that comes with it! And so I’ve set my intention on that and I am now at peace with it. Yes for getting married but no kids! That’s all.

How the prices are going up rent food everything I can’t imagine adding a kid into that mix rn . Ima live life and be the aunt still

after having three children and raising them as a single parent with no support from any other human I completely understand how humans are waking up and realizing they do not have the ability to raise happy confident children that have empathy and sympathy for others.

The lady in pink nailed it! Beside ofc worse part - having kid, in marriage woman is expected to do EVERYTHING. She gets all the mental and physical stress and the huge amount of additional work to do, while man does nothing, but LESS, because he expect woman to clean/cook for him/wahs his clothes etc etc... To not mention, he's also expecting to have a free sex anytime he wants. No matter woman comes home very tired after work and her mind is around the fact she needs to clean the huge dumpster he made of a place, still he won't care and would like to have sex and if she says "no", he goes all offended... Not everyone of course, but it seem if not a majority, then at least a 50% of men behaving that way. STILL. In XXI century...

For the first time in history women aren’t forced to be the homemaker and take care of the children, when there are other options besides this one, why are people surprised that people want different things?

OMGOODNESS!!! I thought I was the only one who thought about kids as leeches... 🤣🤣🤣

I'm almost 47 and a single mom. I have twins That will be almost 7. I honestly would never encourage someone to have kids never ever ever. That sad the fact of reality we live in this day and age is most mom' end up doing all of the work with the kids in and out of the home and still have to work a full-time job. You feel like you're working 3 jobs or more at once. It's completely unfair. And if one parent does need to quit to stay home with the kids, it's usually the mom and then when the mom wants to go back into the workforce, it's very hard because they haven't worked whats considered a job. Taking care of children is a full-time job that never stops and is very tired and exhausting, so I am totally all for woman that don't want to have kids. Enjoy your freedom do what you want because if you are a selfish person, you cannot have kids because kids will take up pretty much all of your time when they're little and that's something people do not realize. And the other downside is some people say they want kids, and then when the reality comes after the baby arrive sometimes you have parents There are patents that think they can still live their life the same way and don't have to put any of their needs aside, and they don't put their baby first, which is very sad, but true. And if you ever hear somebody being serious, saying raising kids is easy and they have kids then they've never been active parent in their child's life at. And babysitting someone's kids or watching someone's kids is not the same as having kids.

My mother raised a stubborn child. I used to get the husband and kid questions a lot. My response don't want it and it's my business.

I didn’t want kids either but then I found out I was pregnant (thankfully by a man that I am still in love with today). I never had a regular period and I’m over 40 so I had no idea I was pregnant until I was basically at the end of my 1st trimester. Now I am so thankful for my beautiful son and partner. It has been a blessing I never realized I wanted. It’s not always easy but when my baby smiles and laughs and plays and wonders at the world, I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. Things happen however they are meant to. Love yourself and do what feels right for you at this time in the present. Maybe you never have a baby because you are way more diligent than me about birth control later in life. I had thought by then that I was actually not able to have kids anyway (which I was totally ok with), but that is why I got a bit relaxed with the birth control. Whatever the case… it worked out great for me. Wishing you the best in whatever works for you. Much love

To the first woman: there are a lot of women who (1) choose to not date any more and (2) choose to adopt. And they have wonderful, happy lives. One of my family members adopted a beautiful little boy. Nobody calls him the "adopted" cousin. We call him our cousin. Period. You don't have to share blood to be family. Also,pregnancy only lasts 9 months anyway; most of the mothering comes AFTER that nine months. Please consider adopting a little one to love on. There is a wonderful woman named Lisa Harper; you may want to google her name in quotes and adoption. In her early 50s, she adopted a little girl. She is having a wonderful time raising that little girl. Please look into it.

Maybe this is just my experience but I see many women who are married and have children take disrespect, lies, cheating, they’re always stressed out and ready to rip their hair out. I just don’t see it as being enjoyable, I’m over here chillen, I still have a few years but honestly it turns me off. I don’t want to have to be stuck in something I don’t want to be in. I guess that’s my greatest fear.

I felt so badly for that woman in the first story. I’m in the same period of life, but I never wanted kids and I’m relieved to have reached the finish line without them, but to have wanted it so badly, it’s a grieving process I don’t envy. I hope she considers adoption or fostering. There are lots of kids out there he need mothers who want motherhood. I’ve always said if I ever changed my mind about kids, that’s what I’d do. But I’m pretty happy just me and my dogs because I have also found dating men is incredibly bad for my health, both mental and physical.

27..Child free by choice...tried to date I consistently get told my reasons are not valid, that who will take care of me when I'm older, that I'm not normal, that I'm a feminist,some men purse me in hopes I'll change my mind or I might end up pregnant by chance etc... 😅People have the wrong notion that because you don't want kids that you hate them on the contrary I like kids but I like to return them to their parents and I really want to help low income families... It's not easy but I'm happy with my decision made it years ago. And I'm sticking to it... Don't get me wrong I've met great guys one I even contemplated changing my mind for but I noticed I was compromising a lot on my side what was he compromising for me so I called things quits and vowed to never do that again... I would still like a relationship /partnership... Someone to travel with etc...

You. Are. Not. Alone!!.Things do happen for a reason. I never wanted children either, and I don’t regret it not one bit. The woman from the UK was Spot on!! Solidarity!! Warmest embrace

I had a friend and some of her teeth fell out 😳

As a male I've felt bad about past relationships because even though it started with mutual agreement on not wanting kids, I could tell their opinions changed over time. But I know that women who don't want kids face far more pressure and difficulty getting out of a relationship if a man decides he wants them. Stay strong, live free and happy!

I LOVE IT! 😍 EVERYONE TALKS ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE AND HOW WE NEED TO FIX IT. The thing is - less children - less people - better for our planet 🌍 😉😉

I have children that I love with all my heart but I choose to remain single because like the first woman pointed out, it’s damaging to my mental health. I had children and my ex husband violated our daughter and I tried dating men but it’s just too exhausting and I rather focus entirely on raising my beauties.

I never wanted to be a single mother - there was only ONE WAY to guarentee that.

Oh, and don't feel the pressure because more and more younger women are not getting married and having kids. So much so that in some countries the gov't is in a panic and have financial incentives to couples. I mean, even in China there are young couples who don't want kids! I'm Asian ... this is culturally abnormal! Which, I love.

No matter how much you do for your kids it’s never enough. They will blame you for ruining their lives. Don’t have kids. Ps mine is 46 years old

I don't want children. And it's normal.

I don't even like kids I'd probably be one of those moms that end up in the news doing something horrible to her children; Like they can just stay home alone for a few hours right, what's the worst that could happen ?? 😅 Not to mention men are disappointing and I don't want to be the inevitable single mom. Plus I'll probably die of cancer and then my mom will have to take care of the child and she already raised 7 kids. My family already has enough descendants without my defective psychotic dna contribution.

Women are the default parent. Kid is sick, call mom. Teenage lashing out, on mom. Hungry, call mom.

I’ve never had any biological children of my own, but I have a stepson. And let me tell you, kids are a negative in so many ways from a young age to adulthood. This child that is now an adult, is a narcissistic sociopath and made my life miserable. If I had to do it again, I wouldn’t only not have children biologically again, but I would certainly not marry someone with child/children. Just my experience and opinion.

Pregnancy , childbirth & dealing with an annoying crying screaming infant Isn’t some magical experience. I can’t stand It all, but I do adore older children. I mean toddlers & up. Infants though? Nah, I don’t see the hype

I'm not having children because every other person I know or meet has a kid with autism.. now they're saying 1 in 3 kids will be born with autism in just 10 years 😢

Some of us can't have kids.

These women are thoughtful and reasonable. And honest. And responsible. Respect to all of you. Lots of love to the first woman especially. I hope the loss of your desires and the sting of the betrayal stops hurting ❤

I am a mom of 2 adult children, I beg my children to either not have children at all or to hold out as long as they can, I would always say that if I could do it over again I would either have waited longer or wouldn’t have had children!

I don’t want a son. I’ve seen how they turn out and I don’t want those problems. The matricide rates sealed the deal. So no kids cause I can’t risk it.

Woman at 2:51. I have never had children and reason number one is why I never had children. Children change everything and require a lot of self sacrifice. Not for me!

It’s not for everyone. People need to mind their own business

My aunt and uncle (my mom’s siblings ) are both childless. After my mom died from cancer, they were around to spend time with me and guide me through life. If they had their own kids, I would have truly been alone. It takes all kinds ❤️

Love it. You're not missing anything

Ive totally had that nightmare where im fully pregnant and i cant get an abortion 😩 I'm so stressed out. I wake up so relieved that i dont have kids and made the right decision for myself.

It’s ok to not be in a relationship or want kids

No shame my friend! Yep, outside shame is real. Listen to your sweet self. I have a wonderful son with a narc and I can't win because now, I'm deemed a bad mom, no bad dad, bad mom because of HIS choices. Society gives him a pass but not me. It's a now win but you have to win for yourself and do what is right for you. Come sit with me. I have tea, cats, books and a really cool teenager who can talk your ear off.

Sad stories but it is better to not be a parent than be a bad one! There are way too many people who have kids but cannot take care of them. 🥺

I think women who don't want kids, shouldn't. Do what makes you happy. I've raised 3. They are exhausting. 😂

A few women have confided in me that they love thir kids (of course) but do NOT enjoy being parents on a regular basis. I made the right decision for ME not having children. In my late 40's I have never regretted it. A health condition means I often only have just about enough energy to navigate looking after myself let alone another human. I need and crave no drama and peace and alone time. I am VERY spur of the moment too.... and need this freedom like I need air to breathe. Don't feel sorry for me..... it's a choice 😊

Wow that is extremely true that so many women throughout history and still now don’t have a choice if they want kids or not and that’s really sad. I am so grateful I get to remain child free.

Whoooooboy the second woman speaking about getting overstimulated and overwhelmed by noise and light and sounds BIG YESS I have ADHD, am diagnosed, and on meds that work for me, and I have mindfully built a system of skills to help me function more effectively... and just the thought-exercise, just entertaining the hypothetical scenario, in which I, with my brain, would have to devote myself 24/7 to the care of a helpless screaming infant, who would then become a rambunctious screaming toddler, who would grow into a child of ever-expanding, noisy chaos, who would eventually become a hormonal teenager....no. I'd never make it. Nope. I'm great for babysitting. I'm great for short bursts, a few hours at a time, where we pull out art supplies and movies and dress-up and whatnot, but at the end of the day I need to be able to hand the kids back over to their actual guardians and go be quiet again for a while. I CANNOT handle the chaos of raising a child fulltime, and I KNOW this about myself. So I decided NOT to do that, to myself or to the poor child who'd end up stuck with me as their parent! And anyone who has anything critical to say about my decision can take a long walk off a short pier 😃