Honestly, if you do a good job when they're little, it's more like 13 years. Responsible teens are pretty easy to parent. My older two tired me out when they were little (I was very hands on) but they're so easy now they help me more than anything else. They even take me out and pay for dinner sometimes!! Kids can become your closest friends and greatest joy. Saying that, I also don't think everyone needs to or should have kids. Nothing wrong with either decision.