ARGHHHHHHHH “Are You Woman Enough” is the title of the cover story causing a ground-swell of negative reactions. I hate to even show this as it may get others to read but honestly, look what it’s saying.
If you’re a Mom, and you aren’t breast feeding till puberty, you’re lacking mothering skills. You’re not, “Woman Enough” . If you’re childless by choice or genetics, you’re less of a woman because you’re not even sharing any close encounters to any child you should be raising.
If only media would stop highlighting pronatalistic nonsense and start sharing real stuff like asking yourself: “Am I parent material? Do I really have enough time, energy and money to raise a child? Am I having a child because I don’t want to be considered an “other” in our society? Am I having a child to get attention? Am I having a child to get myself away from a boring job or schooling?
Placing a woman breast feeding her 4 year old son does more damage than help anyone.
These questions are a big help for someone like me who’s on the fence…
“Am I parent material?” – I’m a step parent, have a great relationship with my step child so yes I know I can parent well.
“Do I have money, time etc?” – Money comes and goes, were ok. Plus I think once they come you manage (like my mom did). I do like my own time though..
“Am I having a child because I don’t want to be considered an “other”? Am I having a child to get attention? Am I having a child to get myself away from a boring job or schooling?”
– No. None of the above. I’m secure in my own choices and don’t mind what others think. I definitly don’t want a child for attention! (Do people really do that?!) My life, job, marriage is great – I’m far from bored! I’m very happy. I’m not looking to fill any ‘hole’, I don’t feel maternal around babies, I like children (but happy to give them back!), have zero interest in making a mini me or keeping the family name alive, don’t believe (or want!) a child to look after me in later years etc etc..
But.. even though I can list 100 reasons not to have a baby there’s still a worry that I may 1 day regret a childfree choice. I feel 99% sure I want a childfree life. I just wish I was 100% about such a big life decision.