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It's my first time doing it.

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It’s none of their business just tell them you’re focused on your career right now and have no plans in the next few years, but have kids when you and your spouse are ready and don’t tell them.
I would not tell them until you are pregnant and further along (12-16 weeks). They don’t need to know.. it’s not worth it to open the door to possible discrimination.
I waited until I was 20 weeks pregnant (so mostly past the risk of miscarriage in an otherwise healthy pregnancy) to say anything, and when I did, I put it in writing. I sent an email to my manager, my director and the LoA coordinator letting them know that I was pregnant and I intended to take my full maternity leave benefit.
I’m lucky I worked from home and could pretty easily hide my morning sickness and fatigue so they really were surprised, but having it in writing I felt covered my ass a bit more. My work was really good and hadn’t dipped at all in the first trimester so if they’d wanted to terminate me for pregnancy, they’d have had a tough time.
It’s non of their business. 🤔
I had a client once ask point blank if I want kids (after telling her I recently got married in a “get to know you” convo).
I heard an idea (but I’m not big on lying so I won’t be doing it). If anyone asks, say you’ve been told you can’t have kids. Then they treat you well career-wise, and if you do get pregnant they’re happy for you because it’s a miracle.
Unless they’re posing it as a question don’t say anything. Or you can give an off handed “whoa, still adjusting to just being married…” in a joking kind of way to evade the topic of kids completely. The flip side from my perspective is that it is considerate of them not to assume that having kids is your next logical life step. I know a few couples that have opted not to have kids and that is totally fine too!
Don't read into it. Most likely, they're probably just trying to respectfully acknowledge that you may or may not eventually have kids, so the topic may or may not interest you.
Say nothing, none of their business
I don’t think I understand the issue. They are talking about their kids and they’re recognizing that you may or may not want yourself. It’s really up to you how you respond and you either
- divert to another loved one who has kids so you can lead to the conversation (my sister’s strategy)
- you confess to them that you’ve had multiple miscarriages or are trying IVF and it’s really sensitive subject for you (my manager’s confession)
- you explain you’d like kids but not while life saving abortion is not safe (my friend’s stance)
- you flat out tell them although I do not want kids, I can only imagine the joy/struggle you are experiencing. (A colleague’s DINK stance)
You don’t have to show your cards.
I always say of course! Just be confident and talk about how you see yourself in the firm long term (if that comes up). “MD or Partner track”. I haven’t had issues with promotions and was out on maternity leave once already. Trying for baby #2 right now!
If your having kids would preclude you from a promotion you are qualified for, then you work for a sorry organization, with even sorrier "leaders".