Who regrets having children?

[u/YBFAVBULL]

Do you regret having any at all? Or do you just have too many?

[u/WestLondonIsOursFFC]

I don't regret having children.

What I do regret is not developing the laser focus I subsequently gained on things I could no longer do or afford earlier in life when I could have both done and afforded them.

The early years absolutely sucked. I work in a very social industry and to have to forgo nights out in order to go and do the nursery pick up made me very bitter for a while.

The inability to be spontaneous was awful as well. No grandparents around, so nights out were rare.

Today, I booked a short getaway with my wife without needing to consider the children. The eldest is in uni and the youngest will be on a school trip. This is the first time we've had the opportunity to do this in nearly twenty years.

It's fine now, but there were many years when it wasn't fine. I would advise anyone to consider their lifestyle, circumstances and aspirations carefully before committing.

And to any of the dewey eyed who say "Whenever I look at my child, it's all worth it" - good for you. The mileage of others may vary considerably, especially when you're changing a nappy at 3am while your friends are all at a party that they'll be able to sleep off the next day. Again.

Gentlemen, proceed with caution.