When you thought about life when you were growing up, did you picture yourself falling in love, getting married and raising a family of your own? This seems to be the fairytale image in all young adults heads, but today many couples are choosing to leave one part of that equation out ...CHILDREN.

For all of you out there who get a bit nostalgic about the cooing and ahhing over a newborn infant, there seems to be a growing number of couples that are quite content with the thought of never changing a dirty diaper. The reasons for this choice to remain childfree vary according to recent studies. Here are just a few of the most popular points of view amongst childless couples that researchers found.

Waiting to tie the knot - During the past two decades the number of never married men and women between the ages of 35-44 has doubled.

Happier Marriages - Studies show that childless couples tend to have lower divorce rates. They're together more and not battling over child rearing issues.

Child Care Costs - The average child costs of raising a child is an estimated $200,000 -- not including college costs

Premature aging - Lets face it -- all kids grow out of that cuddly cute stage and become teenagers. For many parents this can be a trying time, causing added stress and anxiety -- all of which have been linked to health problems (ulcers, premature graying etc.)

Obviously there are many arguments for and against becoming a parent. The best gauge is your own instincts, not societal or family pressures.

-- Amy Berg Bel Bruno