Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Bored Panda
Bored Panda
Lifestyle
Asli Akalin

12 “Regretful Parents” And Their Stories That Prove Not Everyone Is Okay With Having Kids

Article created by: Mindaugas Balčiauskas

Parenthood can be very challenging. And even though some moms and dads say there’s nothing more rewarding, others might not feel the same way about it.

There are people who know the role of a parent is not for them; they often choose to be child-free. Others might only come to such a realization after starting a family, which can lead to them regretting having kids. A 2021 survey revealed that as much as 29% of Americans say they want to have fewer children or don’t want to have them at all.

For those who regret becoming parents, admitting that to themselves or others might not be an easy thing to do. But some of them have opened up about it on the ‘Regretful Parents’ subreddit—a safe space for people who think they should not have had children.

A Brooklyn-based actor, writer, and podcaster, Rachel Diamond, discussed the subreddit in one of her TikTok videos. She was replying to a comment someone made, saying that they haven’t met a single person who regrets becoming a parent. Scroll down to find her video and some confessions from parents who do.

@rachelandrue Replying to @aholly7614 #childfree #regretfulparent #childfreebychoice #GenshinImpact32 #fyp #foryou #parenting ♬ Music Instrument - Gerhard Siagian

This TikToker Replied To A Person Saying They Haven’t Met Anyone Who Regrets Having Children With Real-Life Stories From Parents Who Do

Image credits: Rachel Diamond

#1 I Let Myself Be Talked Out Of My Abortion And Out Of Putting My Twins Up For Adoption. I Will Never Forgive Myself




Image credits: minimininimini

#2 Gave Up My “Time” With My Daughter And Feel Better Than I Ever Have Since Becoming A Mom


















Image credits: carinyoo

#3 Regret Having A Kid


Image credits: No-Wallaby7622

#4 I've Gotten A Taste Of What Life Would Be Without My Child And It Has Made Me Even More Regretful






Image credits: askallthequestions86

#5 Coworkers Talking About Why They Don't Want Kids




Image credits: u/Detronyx

#6 I Never Want To Come Home










Image credits: Miserable_Painting12

#7 I Want To Tell Others To Save Themselves From This Misery


















Image credits: Datoki3011

#8 For The Love Of God, Don’t Let Society Pressure You To Have Another Kid








Image credits: Soprc33

#9 Honestly, What Is There To Enjoy About Parenthood?




Image credits: banana-bao

#10 I Want My Old Life Back




Image credits: teacup901

#11 Are Men Often The Driving Force Behind Having Children?




Image credits: [deleted]

#12 I Honestly Just Want To Live Alone. No Spouse, No Parents, No Children, No Friends Or Roommates




Image credits: drunkenmistakes420

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.