And one of those eight was my wasband. He never really cherished the idea of having kids. Instead, he went into hyper-provider mode to give us a good lifestyle. That was his way of being a good parent.

You are absolutely correct that you have a choice and society shouldn't pressure anyone about having children. To your friend's point, we shouldn't be having kids so that we have something to do when we turn 60. We should have kids now because we are willing and able to raise a child with love, affection, and attention in the midst of our busy lives.

Later in life if you do want to make a difference in a child's life you can sponsor a child's education in a developing nation or you can foster children. There is enough and more ways of helping the children of this world.