I'm so thankful

[Rembrandtfan]

I was posting in another thread about how I have time to do Jazzercise 4-5 times a week because I don't have kids, and my husband and job are not demanding. It made me think of how thankful I am that being childfree allows me to have time for myself. I am especially thankful right now because I can recover from surgery without the added burden of children. It frees up my husband too, because he has time to cook and clean while I'm healing, and I can take it easy without any guilt.

So what about you? How has being childfree made you thankful?

 

[Rebekka]

When I look at my brother and his wife, I see how difficult it is to have small children and health problems at the same time. My husband loves his children, but they do make his health problems worse, and they have caused health problems for my sister-in-law. Not all parents have health problems, but in their case it really makes their health worse. For them, it's all worth it because they deeply love their children and are very committed to them. I couldn't do it, though.

I have health problems, too, and children and my health don't go together (especially my wrists and neck, and my ears - I really cannot stand noise, it hurts a lot). I can't even tolerate my sister-in-law's dog because he often barks so unexpectedly, and it's so loud. (I adore the dog, really, I love dogs. But if I ever get a dog it will have to be a quiet one.)

So yes, I'm thankful that I don't have to lift children, or look over my shoulder (impossible with my neck - but if you have kids you have to keep an eye on them constantly), or do other things that I can't do with my health problems.

Also, it's nice to have a lot of time for my husband.

And finally, my parents are disabled and my father-in-law lost his wife a month ago, and we have more time and energy to visit and take care of our parent(s) because we don't have children. My parents appreciate that, so I'm not the only one who's thankful.

 

[Rembrandtfan]

When I look at my brother and his wife, I see how difficult it is to have small children and health problems at the same time. My husband loves his children, but they do make his health problems worse, and they have caused health problems for my sister-in-law. Not all parents have health problems, but in their case it really makes their health worse. For them, it's all worth it because they deeply love their children and are very committed to them. I couldn't do it, though.

I have health problems, too, and children and my health don't go together (especially my wrists and neck, and my ears - I really cannot stand noise, it hurts a lot). I can't even tolerate my sister-in-law's dog because he often barks so unexpectedly, and it's so loud. (I adore the dog, really, I love dogs. But if I ever get a dog it will have to be a quiet one.)

So yes, I'm thankful that I don't have to lift children, or look over my shoulder (impossible with my neck - but if you have kids you have to keep an eye on them constantly), or do other things that I can't do with my health problems.

Also, it's nice to have a lot of time for my husband.

And finally, my parents are disabled and my father-in-law lost his wife a month ago, and we have more time and energy to visit and take care of our parent(s) because we don't have children. My parents appreciate that, so I'm not the only one who's thankful.

That is wonderful. Your parents and FIL are fortunate to have you.

I am so sorry about your health problems.

 

[LoisGriffin]

My number 1 is my health. I need to be able to get rest and wont push myself.

I love travelling and no children makes it so much easier. I have seen plenty of parents who travel round the world with their children and gotta say I am impressed. Its hard enough when there is just the two of you.

I am also thankful to be blessed enough that I have been able to help those who need it. Having spare time is wonderful.

 

[snoochface]

A friend of mine just had her fourth c-section last week. It's similar enough to a hysterectomy that I know what she's feeling right now -- and she has to deal with a newborn, a one year old, a six year old, and a seven year old, all while avoid steps, lifting, driving, being in pain, being exhausted, and with a husband/boyfriend/whateverheis who is at work all day.

Just typing that out makes me thankful to be child free.

 

[LoisGriffin]

Wow just cant imagine that. That poor woman.

 

[Rembrandtfan]

I am also thankful that my husband has been very supportive of me, and doesn't feel entitled to a spotless house and home-cooked meals, because that would wear me out too. I can just imagine all the women who try to recover from hysterectomy, childbirth, and the like, whose husbands/children whine and make them feel guilty for taking a break.

I am also grateful that I have a husband who is supportive of me pursuing my own interests. When I am well, I will be getting back to Jazzercise and taking an art class. I have a friend who wants to get back into Jazzercise after quitting for a while, but she doesn't want to upset her husband. She asked me "how do you find time to cook/clean?" I said "Well, we keep the meals simple, it doesn't have to be gourmet. And DH helps with cleaning." She said "my husband is old-school. He expects me to cook three square meals a day and do all the cleaning. All while working full-time outside the home". Sheesh!

 

[Rebekka]

I have a friend who wants to get back into Jazzercise after quitting for a while, but she doesn't want to upset her husband. She asked me "how do you find time to cook/clean?" I said "Well, we keep the meals simple, it doesn't have to be gourmet. And DH helps with cleaning." She said "my husband is old-school. He expects me to cook three square meals a day and do all the cleaning. All while working full-time outside the home". Sheesh!

Wow. What a sexist. :o

 

[127.0.0.1]

Wow. What a sexist. :o

Seconded.

Wait...so...he doesn't even like to BBQ!? Does he clean his BBQ!?

I know! She could have HIM do all the cooking/cleaning, but...with his BBQ! She just needs to dress it up, just right to please his ego*.




I do not condone ego. Ego bad. Lego my ego!

 

[Rembrandtfan]

What's funny about it is that he can cook really well. A few times he has cooked and had us over for dinner, BBQ'd some steaks and everything. But I guess he thinks it's the wife's job to do it on ordinary days. Once when they separated and were on the verge of divorce, one of his complaints was that he had to work 12 hour days (which was his choice) and then come home to food that came out of a box.

I don't know, but for me, there's not a whole lot of time to make everything from scratch. It doesn't necessarily have to be made from scratch to taste good.

I would think he would be supportive of her getting some exercise and taking care of her health. It gives you more energy to get things done.

 

[cherryblossom03]

I was posting in another thread about how I have time to do Jazzercise 4-5 times a week because I don't have kids, and my husband and job are not demanding. It made me think of how thankful I am that being childfree allows me to have time for myself. I am especially thankful right now because I can recover from surgery without the added burden of children. It frees up my husband too, because he has time to cook and clean while I'm healing, and I can take it easy without any guilt.

So what about you? How has being childfree made you thankful?

That would NOT go over well in our house. I usually do most of the cooking and cleaning, because when he's home, dh usually does work 14-15 hour days, but I do those things because I like to. He usually helps when he gets a chance. On the other hand, he doesn't expect me to keep a perfect house and have a four course dinner.

 

[Langley]

Having only been married just over a year and not having childrens means we can spend lots of time together. We do have our own interests but these all happen in the evenings. Weekend we are out on the bikes as offen as we can, having children would cut back on some of our hobbies.

I am thankful not to have children but when meeting up with family and friends who have children is fun and enjoyable.

I do see family members who do make a big deal out of having the children. Older brother is disabled and SAHH, kids are 3 and 1 year olds.

As for cleaning the house and cooking we get on with it together. I would never expect my wife to come home from work and set to making tea whilst i am sitting watching tv. It is great fun cooking together and then sitting down to enjoy it. Cleaning gets done when we have time and again that is a joint venture. I end up cleaning the kitchen!!

 

[HeyHomie]

Not having kids allows me the time to... spend time with kids! Hee hee.

My position in the children's ministry programs at my church places a lot of demands on my time, and I probably wouldn't be able to meet those demands if I had kids of my own. So the kids of my church get an extra person to love them because I don't have kids of my own.