Children: are they all they're cracked up to be?

(Note: in leu of a picture, I have an interesting observation to make. On my search to find an image of a "wealthy, happy, childless couple", the only result Google could give me were folks trying to become childFUL. I'm rolling my eyes because even Google is pressuring us to procreate.)

I've been told time and time again that the happiest couples are those who don't have children. Oh yeah, that'll create a stir. But seriously, after years and years of life and professional experience, some of the people I respect the most have told me just that. Maclean's put out an article in August about "child-free" couples and the choice they make to be and stay that way. I find this very interesting, especially since having children is equally as daunting as it is enticing to me right now. Plus, since it isn't a reality at all currently, I can talk about it without much consequence.

I just remember that movie with Nicholas Cage, Family Man. He has this great apartment overlooking the city, he has more suits than he can count, his place is decorated beautifully, and there is nothing he can't afford (due to his amazing career that he's been able to foster). Cut to later in the movie when he's riddled with a bad job, a small, artless house, and two children. Sure he ends up loving the rugrats in the end, but I really loved the look of that first life. Since we can't have it all, are kids the one thing we can do without?

http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/07/24/no-kids-no-grief/4/

He sure looks happy???

Your thoughts?