Chillin Child-Free

So, Mother's Day has come and gone. This year I noticed an over-abundance of articles about "child-free," "child-less," "have children but support all women and their motherhood status." Don't get me wrong, I love that this is even a conversation, says the girl who was this close to a Women's Studies minor in college.

I myself am a devout member of the "child-free," a term I just read about today. I do not have children and have never (even as a child myself - I played "lawyer" or "businesswoman" all the time but never, do I remember, playing "mom") wanted to be a mother. It was never a big internal debate that I had, I just never felt the drive or need or even fantasy, but my decision is just as firm as if I had. Some women yearn to be a mother and know their whole life that they want to raise children. I can honestly say, I am the complete opposite of that woman. And, with that, I am confident, comfortable and sure. And, the next person whose response when I express my desire to remain child-free says, "Never say never!" will promptly receive my foot up their ass (seriously people?!!)

Women and circumstances decide (or not) to have children for a lot of reasons, some good, some not so good. However they arrive at their motherhood, child-free or child-less status is all very complex, extremely personal and for many, not at all easy. I know that I'm lucky, not necessarily to be child-free (but have you been to the Subway by the Science Center the last week before summer break when the teachers have all but given up on keeping order among the mutiny?!! Nope, definitely not for me,) but to know what I want (or don't want) and having the right to make that decision.

Look, it's not an easy decision for a lot of women, so let's be kind to each other, respect that what's right for you isn't right for everyone and appreciate that at least we have choices. And for goodness sake, positive thoughts and well-wishes to my good friends, the sandwich artists at the Science Center Subway!