Why Fewer People Are Choosing to Have Kids — And What It Says About Our World Today

Irion Dekov
May 20
3 min read

Author: Aristi Christoforou

In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift.More people are choosing not to become parents.It’s not just a small trend. It’s a global conversation.A 2024 Pew Research Center report found that 47% of U.S. adults under 50 are unlikely to ever have children.That’s a sharp increase from 37% in 2018.But what’s behind this change in mindset?

They just don’t want to

First of all, many people say they simply don’t want kids.No trauma. No disaster. Just a choice.In fact, 57% of young adults in the Pew study said this was their main reason.And honestly, that’s becoming more acceptable.People are starting to realise they don’t need to follow old social norms.Wanting something different doesn’t mean something is wrong with you.

The money doesn’t add up

Secondly, it’s no secret that kids are expensive.From diapers to university, the costs keep growing.36% of respondents said they can’t afford to raise a child in today’s economy.Inflation, rent, student debt—it all adds up.Many would rather spend their income on stability, hobbies, or even travel.For them, that’s a smarter investment.

The planet and the politics

Another major concern is the state of the world.We’re living in a time of climate change, wars, and social unrest.And that’s making people pause.38% said they’re worried about bringing a child into such an uncertain world.Others cited the environment itself as a reason.They worry about overpopulation, natural disasters, or future scarcity.It's not that they hate children—it’s that they’re genuinely scared for them.

Pressure isn’t working anymore

Traditionally, people—especially women—were expected to have children.It was part of life’s “default settings.”But today, more people are questioning that pressure.Many say they don’t feel represented by family-centered lifestyles.As one CNN article highlights, women are often asked about their kids the moment they meet someone new.When they reply “I don’t have any,” it’s often met with silence or judgment.But people are learning to set boundaries and say, “That’s not for me.”

Redefining purpose

Living without children doesn’t mean living without purpose.More and more people are choosing to define their lives on their own terms.Some are throwing themselves into careers, volunteering, or creative work.Others are building close friendships, supporting causes, or exploring the world.The key thing is that their lives are full, just in a different way.They’re showing that you don’t need to be a parent to be fulfilled.

Healing comes first

Another big reason? Mental health.A lot of people are focusing on healing before they even consider raising a child.Some had difficult upbringings. Others worry about repeating negative family patterns.A therapist in the CNN report mentioned how many clients are saying,“I want to fix myself first before I raise someone else”.And that’s a fair and thoughtful decision.They’re not rejecting parenthood—they’re being intentional.

It’s about control and timing

Let’s be real: previous generations often had kids because it was expected.Now, many are choosing to delay or skip parenthood entirely.As Shaant writes in Medium, it’s not about giving up on parenting forever.It’s about doing it on their terms, when they feel emotionally and financially ready.Some still dream of a family one day.But they’re not in a rush.And they’re not letting society decide the timeline.

Still judged, but more confident

Despite all this, judgment still exists.People without children are sometimes seen as selfish or immature.But things are slowly changing.Childfree adults are standing up and saying,“We’re not broken. We’re just choosing differently.”Many feel relieved once they make the decision and proud to live honestly.And they’re building communities where their choices are respected, not ridiculed.

Changing what “family” means

So, what does this all mean for the future?It means we may need to rethink what family even looks like.It’s not always two parents and a couple of kids.Family can mean close friends, neighbours, or pets.It’s about connection, not biology.In fact, people without children often have more time to care for others around them.And they’re often the ones showing up when no one else does.

Not less, just different

At the end of the day, not wanting kids doesn’t make someone less human.It just means they want a life shaped by their own values.For some, that means parenthood.For others, it means something else entirely.And that’s okay.Like Shaant says, “We are not selfish. We are aware”.This shift says something big about where we are as a society.And maybe, it’s a sign that we’re finally listening to ourselves.