I never wanted to have children. In my 20’s, I assumed it was too premature; in my 30’s, I patiently waited for an epiphany which never came; and in my 40’s, my biological clock rudely forced me to acknowledge the fact that it simply wasn’t for me. It’s not that I don’t like children – there are many things I like but that doesn’t necessarily mean I should possess them. A swimming pool, for example, always seemed potentially enjoyable on the hottest of summer days but, when I consider the expense and upkeep, I decide otherwise. Great Danes are the most breathtaking of creatures – gentle giants – but I don’t want slobber all over my furniture and, therefore, choose to admire them from afar. Perhaps I’m too much of a planner. Many people
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Hillary Clinton emotionally spoke to young girls in her 2016 concession speech, “And to all of the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams” (Fortune). We tout our advances – Women’s suffrage, Title IX, Roe v. Wade – but the fact is, while we have made progress and new avenues open for girls every day, women are expected to have children. This presumption has not changed in hundreds of years and, while it might not be apparent for those with children, it is painfully obvious for those without. I am childless by choice, and this has given me an interesting vantage point with which to examine the role of parenthood in our society. Time and space has allowed me to learn a few things along my journey, some of which might be of help to others considering a similar …show more content…
For example, my employer offers additional personal days for parents. I realize they have endless obligations, but people without children also struggle to juggle their schedules. Families should be supported, whether traditional or nontraditional, and I have looked for opportunities to point out these imbalances.
I turned 50 this year, and did so knowing that being childless is easier as the years go by. My friends are becoming empty nesters, and most of them covet their newfound freedom. Many of them, having raised their children, recognize parenthood for what it is – an exhilarating, maddening labor of love they wouldn’t trade for anything but, with the benefit of the experience, they realize it isn’t for everybody. Friendships are becoming less complicated because women my age now have time for interests not related to their children.
My life is full. I have had success in my career and continue my studies. I am still active and recently completed my 58th half marathon. My maternal instincts are put to work through my work with dog rescue and not having children allows me to adopt and care for the most difficult of cases. I am fortunate to have a partner with similar parental
Hillary Clinton emotionally spoke to young girls in her 2016 concession speech, “And to all of the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams” (Fortune). We tout our advances – Women’s suffrage, Title IX, Roe v. Wade – but the fact is, while we have made progress and new avenues open for girls every day, women are expected to have children. This presumption has not changed in hundreds of years and, while it might not be apparent for those with children, it is painfully obvious for those without. I am childless by choice, and this has given me an interesting vantage point with which to examine the role of parenthood in our society. Time and space has allowed me to learn a few things along my journey, some of which might be of help to others considering a similar …show more content…
For example, my employer offers additional personal days for parents. I realize they have endless obligations, but people without children also struggle to juggle their schedules. Families should be supported, whether traditional or nontraditional, and I have looked for opportunities to point out these imbalances.
I turned 50 this year, and did so knowing that being childless is easier as the years go by. My friends are becoming empty nesters, and most of them covet their newfound freedom. Many of them, having raised their children, recognize parenthood for what it is – an exhilarating, maddening labor of love they wouldn’t trade for anything but, with the benefit of the experience, they realize it isn’t for everybody. Friendships are becoming less complicated because women my age now have time for interests not related to their children.
My life is full. I have had success in my career and continue my studies. I am still active and recently completed my 58th half marathon. My maternal instincts are put to work through my work with dog rescue and not having children allows me to adopt and care for the most difficult of cases. I am fortunate to have a partner with similar parental