I'm 41, and I thought I'd always be child-free. I decided to have kids so my parents could be grandparents.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Courtney Kocak with her parents and husband standing in a living room and smiling at the camera.
Courtney Kocak and her husband recently decided they want to have kids.

Courtesy of Courtney Kocak

Millennials who don't want kids explain their choice to be child-free, prioritize travel, and pursue their 'dream life'

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
Erin Hynes and Lucas Amormino on safari in Tanzania.
Erin Hynes and Lucas Amormino, who don't plan to have children, quit their jobs to travel for six months.

Courtesy of Erin Hynes

I'm a mom of 3 and prefer spending time with my child-free friends

Tech Insider
Three women sitting outside getting coffee together.
Melissa Noble (not pictured) enjoys spending time with her child-free friends.

Getty Images

I've never wanted kids, and I love my child-free life. I value my independence more than anything.

Tech Insider : Travel
Monique Lindner and a dog smiling by the water.
Monique Lindner lives a child-free life.

Courtesy Monique Lindner

I'm a proud, child-free cat lady. Children are still important to me — I just don't want any of my own.

Tech Insider
Christina Wyman smiling at the camera and holding one of her cats.
Christina Wyman says she's proud to be a child-free cat lady.

Courtesy of Christina Wyman

I never wanted kids. My partner has a son, and it's been unexpectedly great.

Tech Insider
Woman with arm around teenage son, sitting at table, view from behind.
Alexandra Saville (not pictured) never wanted kids but was surprised by how much she enjoyed having a relationship with her partner's son.

Getty Images

People say you'll regret not having kids. I don't, but I wish I had done something special to honor my decision.

Tech Insider
Older couple standing on the beach from behind.
Louisa Rogers (not pictured) and her husband decided not to have kids together.

Getty Images

I'm an only child who was raised by my grandmother. My childhood was lonely, but I'm still choosing to be child-free.

Tech Insider
Marissa Higgins wearing a black top and standing against a brick wall.
Marissa Higgins was raised by her grandmother.

Courtesy Marissa Higgins

Subscribe to child-free