Child-Free Adults Share What Their Lives Look Like

“I don’t have to have kids to prove anything to anyone. When and who set this expectation of me having kids and why did I hang on to it?! I still have heated arguments with people on why I should have had kids, along with shitty comments and stupid assumptions that are never-ending. People go on and on about what beautiful, joyous, unconditional love children bring and what tremendous regret I will or must already have. Who’s talking about reasons not to have kids? Just people who have to defend their decisions? Can’t they see that no one makes a worse mother than a woman who doesn’t want a child? Sure, children can change you but did you know NOT having children enables you to change and grow in different and beautiful ways, too? My spouse and I — regularly, out loud, and with much enthusiasm — are thankful we didn’t have kids. I’m glad there are more people talking about the benefits of not having kids. I thank COVID and the lockdown for sparking some of these much-needed conversations. Thanks to all the people confident in their decisions.”

—LarryHegs