Childfree women, also known as Purple Women, may be pressured by parents hoping for grandchildren, or find that friends drift away as they have children themselves. Despite sometimes feeling isolated by their choice, most women who are childfree by choice love the freedom of not having children. In this article women that are childfree by choice are interviewed for Suite101.
Advantages of the Childfree Life
When asked about the advantages of her choice, one childfree woman explained, “I can have a quiet evening at home. I can go out every night of the week. We can go away for the weekend. I can do what I like with my money. I can have a bad day and sulk. I can live where I want. I don't have to think about diapers or puberty or university costs. I can ride my bike everywhere. I can sleep in. I can go back to school. I can travel. I can lie in bed reading the paper. We can go out to eat. Most of these things would be extremely difficult and unpleasant if not completely impossible with kids.”
Fears of Lonliness?
But do childfree women worry about loneliness and lack of support in old age? Another childfree woman explained “It scares me a little. When my grandma developed dementia my parents were there to care for her; so I know the importance of having someone to look out for you. But I remind myself that there are thousands of people in nursing homes, with children, that never have a visitor. There are no guarantees. I have a close relationship with my nieces and nephews, and I am already planning for my retirement.”
Support for the Childfree
Not everyone’s reaction to a childfree life is negative. It is a real taboo to admit to being an unhappy parent today, so meeting someone who has chosen to remain childfree can encourage more openness. One childfree lady was told by a colleague that she felt it was “great that people recognize [the wish not to have children] in themselves before it's too late and they're stuck with kids they don't want.” Many people simply respect the individual’s right to choose.
Of course, the childfree life still has its ups and downs, as for all choices, but freedom from parenting responsibilities allows many to do volunteer work, to travel, to retrain for a new career or to downshift - or simply to enjoy a quiet life.
Related ArticlesReaders may also enjoy Childfree by Choice: More and More Women are Choosing not to Have Children along with Fence Sitting Over Parenthood: Considering a Childfree Life.
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