Top Ten Childfree Myths


© Cara Swann

No group of people wants to be stereotyped - but sometimes there are many misconceptions about those who choose not to have children. The following are some of the more common myths, or wrong beliefs held by those with children, or those planning a family.

10. A childfree woman will miss the experience of child-bearing and nurturing, and needs this to be fulfilled.

Fact: Living a fulfilling life is a matter of choice in what we do and how we do it, in career, community and much more - not whether we reproduce. You do not have to do something just because it is possible.

9. People sometimes think a childfree individual would make a great parent.

Fact: Possibly, but others' opinions about this are not as important as the person's decision based on self-knowledge and lifestyle choices. Good parenting qualities can be used for helping troubled kids, being wonderful aunts/uncles and more.

8. Childfree people never become mature - having and raising children helps an individual reach maturity psychologically.

Fact: Psychological studies show no differences in mental development between parents and non-parents.

7. Young childfree adults who say they don't want children will change their minds.

Fact: Sometimes they do, but why assume they will? Do we assume young adults who say they do want children will change their minds?

6. People in impoverished, third-world countries contribute more to depletion of the earth's resources and damage to the environment than those in the U.S. where parents can teach their children responsibility by environmental awareness.

Fact: People in the U.S. constitute only 5% of the world's population, but consume 25% of the world's energy. Learning recycling and environmental awareness will not void the impact of simply living in this country.

5. The childfree brag about their lifestyles, and this is taken as an insult by parents.

Fact: Parents like to talk about their children and their lives, just as the childfree do their lives. Neither are insulting the other, simply expressing different perspectives.

4. The childfree are lonely.

Fact: Most childfree people have a wide network of friends and family/relatives. Or they deliberately choose to be alone for personal reasons such as peace and quiet or artistic endeavors. Additionally, there is even a social club for childfree couples and individuals now - No Kidding! - with chapters spreading throughout Canada and the USA.

3. The childfree dislike parents and children.

Fact: Some may dislike certain individual's behavior - whether child or adult. But some have careers that involve children, and some are greatly concerned about the welfare of children.

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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages

3.   Aug 5, 2001 3:34 PM
I was also told about this board & I am very happy in what I have read. It is good to see that the public can be educated on these subjects. We also have more rights, because of our decisions not to ...

-- posted by Sandy56


2.   Apr 10, 2001 1:22 PM
Bravo for this article, and for this site PERIOD!! I was told about this site by someone from another board, and I'm happier for it! I co-moderate a CF mailing list (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/noni ...

-- posted by ladysyc69


1.   May 19, 2000 11:33 PM
Well done! I've heard every one of those myths cited by various narrow-minded, childburdened people who feel that everyone must have children (just like "everyone must drive a Ford").

I find "You' ...


-- posted by NONFATHER





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