"respect should be given for dutiful parenting, while yours is reserved only for the 'amazing' variety, ok, whatever. Presumably a parent can do their best, but if they fall short of the amazing result, well, no respect."

Yes, because I clearly think the parent that does their best, but falls short of an amazing result deserves no respect. I must think that, after all - I am not a parent.

I am however, the sole caregiver of my elderly mother, who adopted me, from another country because she and my father wanted to be parents. There was no reason why they couldn't have a biological child of their own, but chose instead to adopt someone who was already here, in our overpopulated world.

I am going to politely decline any further debating with you, as you seem to enjoy taking my statements and belittling them to suit your opinion. Good day to you.

Of course there should be honour and respect granted by society for dutiful parenting. As there should be honour and respect granted for all human beings. I do not respect a person any more or any less simply because they are a parent. However, I will admit, I can respect a person more if they are an amazing parent, and I respect a person less if they are a lousy parent. There are many that fit into each category.

I cannot disagree with you that the current birth rate in Canada is declining. However, there are many places in the world that have orphanages filled with children who would love to come to Canada to be with someone who wants to be a parent. If you want to promote ideals, well, I think that is one worth promoting. Our global society is not suffering from a decline in birth rates.

I pity the child that is born because someone thought they should have a baby for the good of society. I still think that is horrible reason to have a baby.

Exactly. Word for word.

Thanks for saying my thoughts.

Promoting a manifesto that people should choose parenthood because it would be better for society as a whole is not a convincing reason to be a parent. Beome a parent because you want to, not because you should. Become a parent because you look forward to the responsibilties, challenges and rewards that parenthood brings. The childfree should be respected for their choice, which for many has nothing to do with career, bank book or love life - but simply that they do not want to be a parent. End of story.