Hello friends,

I am very happy to participate in this contest that you have organized with this theme, which I believe is quite challenging to address, especially in certain countries where a specific culture is deeply rooted. For me, this contest will be an opportunity to engage with those who have different opinions than mine, and it is also interesting to understand how this topic is approached in the rest of the world. In my country, not becoming a father, in my case, or a mother, in my wife's case, is seen as an incomplete family, largely due to the strong tradition of having many children.

Do you think a man or a woman is incomplete if they are not a father or a mother? Why?

In response to the first question, I don't believe that someone is incomplete if they don't have children. I don't think having children is a necessity for a family to be complete. For instance, I have friends who have chosen to share their love with animals, such as dogs and cats, instead of having children, and I respect their choice. Moreover, we should consider that many people struggle with infertility and cannot have children, and we shouldn't make them feel like they have an incomplete family. Some of my friends who faced infertility issues chose to adopt children to meet societal expectations, and while I respect their decision, I personally have some concerns about the commercialization of adoption in some cases.

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Do you think a parent should put aside their goals or dreams for their children? Explain your answer.

I believe it's a personal choice, and everyone should decide what to prioritize in their life. Some of my former colleagues left their jobs to dedicate more time to their children, and while some may question this decision, for them, it was the right choice. Finding a balance is essential in such situations. However, the problem of population decline in Italy, caused by the decreasing birth rate, is not merely about individual goals but also has economic implications.

What is your view of people who choose not to have children?

Choosing not to have children is a decision that should be respected. While some may replace the desire for children with the companionship of animals like dogs and cats, I don't believe it's the same for everyone. Additionally, some women, including my wife, may fear pregnancy, especially when access to healthcare is not optimal.

Do you consider that in order to be a mother or father there must be ideal conditions (economic, social, and physical and mental health)? Why?

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Economic conditions are undoubtedly fundamental. Having a child can be expensive, not just during their upbringing but also through their education. In countries like Italy and many European nations, there is limited financial and social support for families, especially for women. This lack of support can make it difficult for parents to juggle their work and family responsibilities. Moreover, the changing societal dynamics have led to decreased solidarity and increased individualism, which can further strain families. Lastly, the declining wages in Italy and across Europe exacerbate the situation, making it challenging for families to meet their essential needs.

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I hope you find my participation in the contest interesting. I wanted to share my perspective and shed light on the situation in my country, which is facing a decline in birth rates, with an estimated decrease of 10 million people over the next 30 years from the current population of 60 million.

Wishing you all a wonderful day and good luck to everyone participating in the contest.

I invite the following people to participate in the contest: @akareen @pea07 @ruthjoe