Is it normal to regret having kids sometimes?

Yes — sometimes it can be normal.

Some parents have moments of regret, overwhelm, or even thoughts like “I wish I hadn’t become a parent.” That does not automatically mean you don’t love your child or that you’re a bad parent.

In fact, a significant minority of parents report that, if given the choice again, they might not have children. Regret can also be tied to very real stressors, especially:

• loss of freedom or identity
• sleep deprivation and exhaustion
• financial pressure
• relationship strain
• constant responsibility and mental load
• chronic stress and too little support, which can contribute to parental burnout and feel a lot like depression

What matters is how intense and persistent the feeling is.

• Occasional, passing regret can happen, especially during stressful periods.
• Frequent, intense, or overwhelming regret may be a sign of burnout, depression, anxiety, or another support issue and is worth talking through with a therapist, doctor, or trusted support person.

If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or your child, or you feel unsafe, seek urgent help right away.