Childfree Beliefs
18 01 2007The Childfree Network, started by Leslie LaFayette, and which I mentioned in an earlier article is based on the following beliefs. I couldn’t agree more, and thought they are worth sharing. Worth shouting from the rooftops, in fact!
- That childfree adults or adults who are childless by chance or choice have a right to be recognized, respected and appreciated for their unique contributions and not to be judged on whether or not they have children.
- That too many people are not giving enough careful thought to the decision to have children today.
- That it is time to begin to honestly educate young people to the realities of parenting.
- That biology is not destiny, that one’s self esteem and sexual identity should have nothing to do with one’s fertility or virility.
- That we are whole and complete just the way we we are.
- Once a decision has been made not to have children it should be respected by everyone.
- A childfree life can be a full, productive, happy life and should be carefully considered by those who are not absolutely sure they want to be parents.
- It is time our society and our governments considers a re-definition of the word “family” to include, rather than exclude, the growing segments of society that do not reflect the traditional families of the fifties.
(Source: The Parenthood Decision, by Beverly Engel).
Those are good things to go by if you don’t want to have kids. My psych professor (a developmental psychologist by trade) stresses this point about children: they aren’t toys. If you break them, you can’t take them back to the store. It’s better not to have them than to have them if you don’t want them.
I am in a agreement with every point made above. Please leave enough room on the rooftop for me to join you.
Hear hear! We’re going to need a huge rooftop for all of us!
All excellent points!
Where were you guys 13 years ago?
Refreshing, just to be reminded there are other like-minded folks that still exist in my society.
Great, where is that roof (not on fire I may hope)
I’m still euuuh …. speachless?? Jumping from joy, screaming it out, and absorbing small “letterkes” (words) with a fantasic meaning.
Hope this is temporary, how I do.
i have to say its great to have more childfree men out there. we are a minority in a minority.