Mom sharing why she doesn’t think children are “worth it” goes viral

A mom is going viral for a raw and thought-provoking take on whether she thinks children are really worth it.

“I’m going to give you a short and quick answer. The answer is, no, they aren’t,” New Yorker Dominiece Regis said in her TikTok video.

She clarified her stance, explaining that while children bring unparalleled love and joy, the challenges that accompany parenting can be overwhelming. To make motherhood truly fulfilling, Regis, 34, argued that parents need at least two or three of the following.

A good partner who is a reliable and supportive team player, resources—i.e. money—to manage the cost of raising children and a strong support system such as family or a community to lean on.

“If you don’t have these three things… kids are not worth it. Do not risk your life for it; do not risk your sanity,” she warned viewers.

The mom of one told Newsweek that she was inspired by a TikTok post from a woman on the fence about having children.

“I felt this was the perfect opportunity to have an open and honest conversation about all sides of motherhood—not just the pretty [and] magical parts. I felt a lot of women go into motherhood and kind of sold a dream of all rainbows and frills,” she said.

She clarified that you don’t need to have all three of the factors that she mentioned in her video, but in order to ensure children are worth it, you should have a minimum of two. “Without the three, motherhood would easily become a survival mode experience, which a lot of women suffer from,” she added.

Regis speaks from personal experience. Married for six years and a mother to a 3-year-old, she and her husband are considered high earners and have the resources to navigate parenting without a nearby support system.

“Although we have the things listed, parenthood and motherhood [are] still challenging. We should be enjoying motherhood and our children—not just trying to survive until they get grown,” she told Newsweek.

Regis’ clip has clocked up over 640,000 views and over 5,400 comments, igniting intense conversations in the comments section.

One user disagreed with the mom’s message. “Imagine finding a video of your parent saying you weren’t worth it. I hate the internet,” they wrote. Regis replied that she never mentioned anything about her child but was clear that the three things outlined are needed to make sure raising children is worth it.

On the other hand, many resonated with her point of view. “Finally, someone who speaks the truth,” one user commented.

Regis told Newsweek that her video had “stirred the pot” and estimated that 80 percent of people who watched the video understood her message and appreciated her honesty.

“I’m very secure in my motherhood journey and I know what I said to be valid. Some think I’m telling them that their earthside child isn’t worth it and that’s not at all what I’m saying but hey, I can’t teach the internet how to critically think. The ones that get it, get it,” she said.