Do you expect your kids to take care of you when you're older?

Question

Ok, I get asked this question a lot = "Who's going to take care of your when you get old", all because I chose to never have children. I tell ya, the childfree deals with a lot of harassment and judgement from parents or those who want kids. They call me selfish.

Now, when you had your children, did you expect them to take care of your when you get older? Personally, I think that's a selfish reason to have children because to be taken care of when they're old.

Answer 1

The only thing I expect out of my children is that they grow up healthy and responsible and don't hurt other people.  I would hope that they come to visit me often and have lots of grandbabies for me, but to expect them to support my old *** is a no no.  I'm an adult and I can do it myself and if I can't, then I deserve to go to low income or something.  

Answer 2

Well, like you, I am child free by choice. Next time someone asks you that, say "there's this real hip joint for old people in town, and I'm going to check myself into there, and have a grand old time."

See if they answer you. They'll be too dumbfounded to say anything worth listening to. People just can't mind their own business.  

Answer 3

I don't but my mom definitely does.. yes it is selfish.. and a lot of older people have extra problems and heartbreaks because their children refuse to take care of them.. Don't ever rely on anyone even if they are your children or family..

Answer 4

i dont except them to take care of me but i also feel if i am in the state that i need assittance and can not do anything for myself i do want them to see to it that i get the proper care. if something happen to my parent i would take care of them i mean it's only fair they took care of me when i could not care for my self and when they need help i'll be there to help them!!! but this is not meaning money wise i mean as in care

Answer 5

I don't expect it but i'm sure he would.

Answer 6

I won't take care of my parents. I won't expect my kids to take care of me.

Answer 7

I would most definitely take care of my mom in her old age! I wouldn't expect my kids to take care of me in my old age, but if they feel that they want to then it's their decision. It'd be nice to know that your children love you and appreciate you enough to make sure you are safe and well in your old age though. As for people who decide they never want children, that's their decision and I would never dream of criticizing them over their choice. There are plenty of other means of help and support for the elderly.

Answer 8

I once asked my 8 y/o if he was aware of all the times I took care of him as a baby, feeding him, wiping his bottom, & all that?  And I said, "Now you're going to take care of when I'm unable to do those things myself, right?"  He replied:  "No, I'm not.  I'm not even going to tell you where I live!"  

That's gratitude for you.

Answer 9

no not any more...people need to work and families are smaller..

and spread out more ....say in the 60's and 70's families lived in one home ....cousins...uncles...sisters....and the grandma/and grandpa.

now days every one has there own place.

now we have long term care insurance and nursing homes.

Answer 10

  While I don't expect my kids to wait on me hand and foot in my old age I don't expect them to abandon me in some old folks home either.  I never understood how one mom and/ dad could take care of 2 or more kids but those kids could not manage to even help those same parents out.  Now that is very selfish in my opinion.  I do understand that sometimes a nursing home or proffesional nursing is sometimes the best option.  That doesn't replace the fact that parents still need their loving children in their lives.  Those children should be glad to help out.

Answer 11

It's kind of a give and take game. The parents nurture you untill you can have your own life. So when your parents can no longeer care for themselves they either go to the retirement home, and be almost forgotten. Or live with their kids.

Answer 12

Absolutely not!  Having my children change my diapers when I get old would be really awkward.

Answer 13

I'm a kid, and I don't want to take care of my parents when they get older unless I can afford it. Thats not what children are for.

Answer 14

No, I do not expect them to take care of me. I hope that they love me and are concerned with my well being. I do not believe someone should have children because they want someone to take care them when they get old. Do not let anyone make you feel guilty for not having children. It is a personal decision.

Answer 15

First I will say that my family is very close, and just as my parents cared for me, I will do the same in their golden years.  If they need something I will be there to help.  I would be honoured to care for them in the way that they have cared for me as I was growing up.  I am thankful that we still all look out for each other.  

I didn't have children to guarantee that I would have someone to care for me as I age, nor do I expect it.  I do hope however that my children and I can help each other as long as we are on this earth together.