I always find it charming when people on this blog ask me for advice about their own decision. Namely because I couldn’t think of a person less qualified to dispense it. The best I can offer you at this time (in addition to my own random musings) is a collection of essays on this new page from your peers, who were willing to share with you how they came to a “yes” or “no” on the whole kids thing. I think you’ll agree that there’s quite a variety here. In some cases, it was a quiet realization that arose from a very simple experience. Others have known all along they were destined for parenthood or the Childfree lifestyle. Still others grappled long and hard with this question for years before coming to the logical conclusion that they: a) simply must see what all the fuss is about with this Bugaboo stroller; or b) can’t stand the thought of living in a house encrusted in a fine sheen of Cheerio dust for the better part of a decade.
As you read through their entries, I hope you’ll have the same experience I did in receiving them. A little laughing, a little cringing, and perhaps a tear or two. Unless you’re me; I don’t cry. Except when As The World Turns went off the air after 54 years. I’m not made of stone, people.
This is a resource I want to grow indefinitely, so if reading these inspires you to share your own story with me, check out the guidelines and send me a little somethin’. Parents especially – you’re getting your butts kicked by the Childfree in the submissions department! Remember: hearing your story just might make someone else’s decision a little easier. So basically, if you don’t share it, you’re a bad person. Yeah, that’s right.
Many thanks to all those who have already submitted!
Hey! Parents are getting our butts kicked cuz we don’t have a lot of time to essay (that is ‘essay’ used as a verb) on our lives, we have noses to wipe and poop to clean, oh and maybe we actually like spending time with our kids!!! I will try to find time though. I work, so I’ll just use their time.
Oh, I know – there’s a perfectly logical reason why I’m light on parental responses. But I appreciate that you’re at least going to attempt it!
What a great idea, in my marriage we have a split and reading how and why people decided what they did can be helpful
I’m glad this is helpful, Jessica! I’ve always wondered how those in a marriage who are split on the issue handle this. I’ll have to do a post on it eventually!