Best piece about parenting or not, about parenthood, and about not having children that I've ever read. Honest, not smug and without trying to plaster all over the place about the greatness of leading an amazing childfree life. Having children or not, your life will turn in ways you've never expected because no matter how much you plan you never know what's around the corner and what's in store. It's just like that. I loved reading this because it speaks to me as a parent and I could follow each and every of your arguments. Minus the one about hairstyle.... yours is great! Thank you for this piece.
Thank you so much! And you are right, life will turn in all kinds of ways regardless of whether you have children or not. I’m glad that there was something in it for you as a parent.
I love this so much Lucy - thank you for verbalising what I've been thinking in my head for a long time. About to turn 44 and really considering what a meaningful life looks like for me. I've started training to be a Psychotherapist and am loving it.
A beautiful article on a very complex issue Lucy, thank you. Nobody should feel forced or pressured to have children. It's good if it happens and it's also good if it doesn't happen.
I am starting to appreciate what you said, about nobody in your immediate family pressuring you to procreate. I thought it was normal! My family is like that, too. BOY OH BOY what a privileged upbringing we lived!!
Hi Barbs, yes I think we are lucky. I guess I internalised the expectation of procreation from what was around me, and I also didn’t have many role models without children.
Best piece about parenting or not, about parenthood, and about not having children that I've ever read. Honest, not smug and without trying to plaster all over the place about the greatness of leading an amazing childfree life. Having children or not, your life will turn in ways you've never expected because no matter how much you plan you never know what's around the corner and what's in store. It's just like that. I loved reading this because it speaks to me as a parent and I could follow each and every of your arguments. Minus the one about hairstyle.... yours is great! Thank you for this piece.
And thanks re hair!!
Thank you so much! And you are right, life will turn in all kinds of ways regardless of whether you have children or not. I’m glad that there was something in it for you as a parent.
Everything!
I love this so much Lucy - thank you for verbalising what I've been thinking in my head for a long time. About to turn 44 and really considering what a meaningful life looks like for me. I've started training to be a Psychotherapist and am loving it.
Hi Zenoushka, that’s wonderful to read. I hope the training goes well. Psychotherapy is fascinating.
A beautiful article on a very complex issue Lucy, thank you. Nobody should feel forced or pressured to have children. It's good if it happens and it's also good if it doesn't happen.
Thanks, Ilias. I agree.
Lovely piece, Lucy. Thank you for sharing joy and positivity.
Thank you, Robin!
I am starting to appreciate what you said, about nobody in your immediate family pressuring you to procreate. I thought it was normal! My family is like that, too. BOY OH BOY what a privileged upbringing we lived!!
Hi Barbs, yes I think we are lucky. I guess I internalised the expectation of procreation from what was around me, and I also didn’t have many role models without children.
Great article Lucy!
Thank you!