[Coffee.]

I agree with Holly, it's disappointing this didn't get more of a response. I actually think I created a very similar thread here in Pregnancy & Childcare while I was in graduate school, but I couldn't find it.

Early on in my teens, I was set on being childless. As I've gotten older, I've reconsidered, but ultimately keep coming to the same conclusion for similar reasons to you. My parents had me in their late 30's in a decent financial state, but still were emotionally unprepared to be parents. They are both mentally ill, and ultimately raised two mentally ill children. Thus, I have been hesitant to start a family because of my own issues. I don't fear "passing" mental health disorders genetically, as much, but I fear that I don't have the emotional regulation skills to parent.

When the pope said earlier this year that folks not having children are "selfish," this rubbed me the wrong way because I actually think that it's good to ensure you're in the best place to raise a kid. Between my mental health and the state of the world, I'm not ready, and I'm not sure I ever will. I love kids. My job currently works to promote the health and safety of kids, I may foster someday, and I'd like to volunteer more with children again like I used to. I'm still not sure I will "have kids," but I do want to still make a difference in children's lives.