Talk To Me: I'm afraid to tell my girlfriend I don't want children 

Psychologist Caroline Martin is here to answer your questions on whatever issues you are dealing with in life, from work pressure and stress to loneliness and grief

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I'm a divorced father of two teenagers and am dating a terrific woman I met over a year ago. A month ago, she said she would like to have a child, maybe two. It was the last thing I expected to hear. I have no plans to have more children - it was tough enough when my own were young. I'm afraid if I tell her, she will leave me.

Babies have a tendency to test the strength of a family system and can shine a glaring light on any cracks. Having a child can impact not only your identity and career but the relationship itself. In fact, having a baby can cause a complete upheaval of life as you know it.