The 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).
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
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.
we are childfree and its the greatest thing weve ever done.
i have no desire to put aperson thru the struggles of life…
my roof top is sheet metal and i dont want to dent it and today my boots would melt from the heat