In a perfect world I would never have to justify to another human why I choose to be child free. But we don’t live in one.

As a woman living in a regressive country it’s rather hard to switch off all the messaging I’ve been receiving from society from a very very young age about my duties as a potential wife and a mother. That’s the supposed purpose of my life.

I would never bring other women down who choose motherhood and I agree we shouldn’t be doing that and instead support each other.

The important word here is choice.

I write about being child free because I feel the world is full of information about motherhood being the natural progression of life for women. That we will be unfulfilled and unhappy without it. Regret it later so better make the “right” choice now.

So, yes we should be kinder to each other, but I believe that expressing alternative and individualistic opinions are necessary for everyone to know that we can make our own choices and enjoy the freedom that comes with it. And it’s important to women especially to learn that it’s not selfish to put themselves first.

When I was growing up in the 90s no one was talking about this topic, period. I was the odd one out and thought I was weird for not liking babies. So although it’s divisive I’m happy that a conversation has started in this area and reading others experiences is actually helpful for me.

And I hope that I can one day help someone feel less alone, that they are not doing anything wrong.