controversial but genuine question

can you name even one truly unselfish reason for having a child? to wit:

- by the very nature of the beast, there is no childish input in the decision
- even at the highest levels of living, there will be major hard scrabble and worrisome moments as the child grows and dies
- many have children as accessories, caregivers, easers of loneliness, entertainment, or cleaners of the home
- the only even-close reason I can think of as roundabout unselfishness is to build a religious army of sorts, but that is mightyyy presumptuous
- how dare parents then say, "I BROUGHT YOU INTO THIS WORLD AND I CAN TAKE YOU OUT" or, "do you know how long i labored to have you"....

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WaryWitchWandering · 36-40, F

I’m sure it’s not selfless to decide to have children (it’s something I wanted, a family of my own)

I give my children all my love and I guide them. Their feelings and thoughts are very important to me. We play, explore, and learn together.

I don’t think it’s selfless, but I don’t think it’s selfish either. Humans are meant to reproduce, and although I don’t think ALL should be allowed to, I do my very best to be sure my children feel loved and supported , while allowing them to figure out who they are in this world.

I understand I can’t control what goes on outside of my home, but I can help give them the confidence in themselves to make best decisions for themselves and to cope. I also understand they didn’t have a choice in being born, but they also didn’t choose not to… it just is.