I never really doubted that I would have children some day - I was quite aware of this even as a teenager. My wife was much more in doubt. The thing is that I am a big brother, looked after the youngest of my siblings, and have had responsibility for... well, practically every person I ever met. My wife didn't have many children in the family and to her it was a very big leap.
I think children in general are more rewarding acquaintances than grown ups, they actually give something back to you: trust, love. Their lack of experience is funny, it is fascinating to see them learn - and I like to tell them about things... they are curious and actually take your advice... sometimes at least.
Most grown ups lacks all this but are still mentally immature - some of them like five years olds when it comes to taking responsibility. They want me to help them, but they wouldn't even consider helping me.
It is hard work the first couple of years, but most of the hardship I see others have is self-inflicted. Not taking yourself as a parent serious helps a lot. I do suffer from anxiety that something will happen to them, but I have forced myself to let them first walk and then bike around Copenhagen on their own. This is the thing that weighs most on me and the hardest thing about being a father. The thing about freedom has never really been an issue to me. I feel just as free now as I did when I was younger.
That is my thoughts about children.
🙏💓