Hey there!
Welcome to The Childfree Lifestyle newsletter.
My name is LeNora Faye and I’m childfree, by choice. This is how I usually introduce myself IRL because the first question people ask me is, “How many kids do you have?”
May as well get that out of the way, eh?
I’m also Canadian.
Openly Childfree
Stating my childfree status either opens the gate to a deeper discussion about life choices (which I love to have because I detest small talk) or it kills the conversation straight away.
“What? No kids?! But…being a parent to Doug, Bob, Sally, and Apple has brought me joy beyond compare…how could you not want that…..?”
The thought of becoming a mother didn’t feel right to me, even as a little girl. So, when I had the epiphany at age 22 that people could choose to have kids or not, I chose not.
And that is why I don’t have kids.
The short version—TL;DR.
Why is talking about being childfree necessary?
You never know who’s listening.
This one time, at a hot springs, someone asked me if I had kids. I said, “ No, I chose not to have them.” A few moments later, a woman swam over to me and told me how she too chose not to have kids. We proceeded to have a lovely conversation sharing our joys and aggravations that come with this lifestyle.
I’ve had parents reach out to me sharing their feelings about parenthood and the pressured they’ve faced to have kids.
This isn’t about talking someone into or out of anything. There is a growing childfree community that is hungry for relevant content.
See a need, fill a need.
I love talking about living childfree—the perks (so many) and the downsides (judgement, lack of support).
While much of mainstream society extols the virtues of parenthood, there are a decent number of us who feel that the path to a rich and full life experience doesn’t require birthing and/or raising children.
New relationship announcement!
I got my first iPad. It’s a pro. 2020. I pimped it out with a magic keyboard, pencil, and various adaptors because it uses USB-C.
Wtf.
I’m in love.
There is so much to learn, but hey, I’m a millennial (an old one), I’ll figure it out sooner or later.
This replaces the previous love of my life, the Yeti X mic.
I think it’s funny that my new fave app is called Procreate…….
Childfree content pick of the week
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be childfree in your 50s and 60s?
Is there regret?
How does one navigate through the decades as a childfree person?
Episode 24 of the Childfree Girls podcast features seven women between the ages of 16 and 65 who do not want children. Six different countries, six different stages of life. This conversation covers many topics including:
why no kids
dealing with bingos (ie: “you will change your mind”)
plans for the future
the expectation to be a mother
living your best life
“Childfree Through the Decades” is available on YouTube, iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcast, and most other podcast apps. Search the Childfree Girls podcast.
Final thoughts
None of my thoughts are final, but I can offer you a no-pregnancy-announcements-or-your-money-back-guarantee….
Until next time,
LeNora Faye