Childfree In My 30s - this is what they don’t tell you!

[@JennyMustard]

Thanks for watching everyone. Why not pick up a copy of my debut novel OKAY DAYS, that has a childfree theme: Blackwells (FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING): blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Okay-Days-by-Jenny-Mustard/9781399713467

[@kathrynjohansen4452]

The best people don't have children

[@kathrynjohansen4452]

My parents had obsessive adoration love for their kids

[@satbachankaur7672]

Blessings and love from Chile. It is so important that we can see that we are creating beings. That is the essence of human beings. If we turn that creativity on any area that inspire us, we will have a full filled life. Sharing about being a happy free child couple is a major thing right know. It is needed. First of all, without a question we live in an overpopulated planet. It is just sad that we “think” that we need to be parents to validate ourselves. Second, it is such a challenging job to have kids. As you share in the video, it needs a constant self reflection, self relaxation, self improvement, self flexibility. If you decide to have children it is going to be the most important thing that you will do, because the future of the planet will be model by who you are raising. Nothing little in that. Another thing is that your rhythm and habits in life will change. Drastically! You will not sleep when you want, you will make new habits to fit more people in your daily routine, you will certainly spend much more money that we are able to imagine 😅, and you will be changing plans and gears unexpectedly more time that you believe you can. Love is Infinite, so it cannot be measured or compared. The Love for your partner and the love for your child are the same. It comes from the same source, and that source is Infinite ❤.As creative beings we must serve humanity in whatever way suit as best. By the way I am a mother of 2, that put my creativity in raising this amazing beings, learning and experiencing the yogic way to raise children. The way in which their spirits are radiant is beyond my comprehension. My passion is creating trainings for sharing how to be parents and thrive doing so while nurturing this beautiful souls that come to share life with us. And even when is the passion of my life, my first advice is that everyone should try to understand with the core of their being what is to be a parent and how deeply your life will change in unimaginable ways. Many people that talks to us are afterwards convince that they really prefer not to have kids 😊 Even when is the thing that move my heart to work with families, I am happy to hear when someone decide to be a happy free child person, because it is a win win for everyone. Most challenging thing of being a parent is that you need to do so much selfcare and you really don’t find the time. Hope this is helpful to continuing this thread of creativity about this important matter. Love from a happy mother of two to a happy free child Jenny 🎉

[@jpbart1390]

Thank you. 😁@@kathrynjohansen4452

[@jennifervasquez251]

@@kathrynjohansen4452 I was just going to say that.

[@olahanus]

For me, personally, the most difficult part of not having kids is maintaining friendships with people with kids. They are just constantly talking about them or not listening to me because they are thinking about them. I am just naturally surrounding myself with child-free people, but I am sad about those friendships that I lost..

[@vkrgfan]

I hear you, even though I am a mother but I get irritated when women constantly talk about their kids, like come on your whole identity is in motherhood. Hello

[@marinaromanou6806]

Their children will grow older and independent in a while and you'll get back together :P ! (if you're still compatible, that is...)

[@thedisintegrador]

Sounds as if the children gave your friends a purpose in life... something of importance

[@ianbuick8946]

Friends come and go. Learn to grief and make new connections. That's the _easy_ part, the hard part is when you realize your physiological and psychological side *want* to have kids by exhibiting symptoms of depression but avoiding the problem with coping mechanism ( eat, sex, drug, dopamine from social media, who's know, etc). It's too simple to think: "ah, i like my freedom, and money to spend on whatever i want" but forgo the higher level of training for life. We see more body count, more abortion, more mental health and drug abuses nowadays. Dr. Sara Hill talk about the consequence of using contraceptive bill on women's body and mental state in a interview with Dr. Jordan Peterson, check it out if anyone want to learn more.

[@ManicMaidenASMR]

@@thedisintegradorand not everyone finds purpose in kids

[@vitaactiva_official]

The best thing for me about not having children is the freedom to be ill and heal. I got huge respect for all these parents in the world who have headaches, influenza… and still care for someone else

[@MF-qf7bs]

I hear you. I remember my mom being ill and getting her tea and making her cinnamon toast.

[@keepscats7936]

I had a tubal ligation at 22. That seems very young for such a major decision, but I knew myself. I'm 70 and have no regrets. People have said all sorts of things about me not having children. Some them were quite rude.

[@Maderlololohio]

Very strange considering there can be so mucj sadness when a child grows up and faces pain in school playing outside etc. Then when they grow up and rebel or turn out to have delays or disruptions in their development (rude unhelpful unreasonable teens) it's another cause of pain. But these people never talked or listened to their kids perhaps so they never knew all the pain the kids faced and thought all was well. It's hard in many ways and when you talk and know you will understand and not be ignorant towards the childfree. I am so sorry you experienced that.

[@NoNameToYou]

Thank you for blazing a trail for us younger child free ladies ❤

[@weekendnomad5038]

That’s nice . So many doctors denied me a tubal

[@Maderlololohio]

@heyitsKris82 hopefully your kid understands you. If you talk to eachother that can help. And they'll have better options for themselves. Not a lot of parents or people can admit their mistakes so that sets you apart already in a positive way. And it's not a that glitters that's gold. The so called healthy normal people be having narcissistic traits not respecting and being abusive to their kids and then full on denying everything cause they have some need to win. So be aware of that as well

[@RebekahAPinto]

​@@weekendnomad5038😥

[@zitanemeckova5708]

I'm struggling with infertility and this gives me hope that life without kids is not end of the world but just a different path

[@JennyMustard]

sending ♥️!!

[@SigynRegn]

Maybe adoption is a way to go for you? There are so many abandoned children in this world.

[@74MD74]

It is just a different path! ❤ I dabble in so many different things because I enjoy learning. I have the freedom to do so. People always ask how I have the time. The answer is that I don't have kids. I can take jewelry making classes, do pottery, knit, go traveling all in the same month. 😂 I love my life. I saw a podcast YT video where someone essentially said: you can grieve the life you won't have, but it doesn’t mean it's the wrong decision. It's just different. Make the best of life, whatever your path is. ❤

[@themystictherapist-flameso7537]

I heard geritol works & praying to mother marry or Oshun ❤

[@flowergirl5739]

Me too❤

[@yogawithkassandra]

You are me, I am you. I get this. Children are easy to romanticize! Christmas, birthdays, family dinners when the kids have grown up... sounds lovely! But it's a small piece of the puzzle. I know the day to day isn't for me.

[@ieshiaunique1943]

My husband and I love your videos, Kassandra! 😍

[@Historybluff1986]

This is how I’ve been feeling but couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I enjoy being around family kids at celebrations but I am always happy I don’t need to do it every day. Mid 30s male here.

[@pedroalvarez2119]

You just don't know what you are saying

[@indumiso1]

Yes!! It’s the day to day stuff that completely puts me off.

[@UniDeathRaven]

children are pain the a$$ hole. They cry and scream every fucking day for YEARS and then even when they grow up, it doesn't end, they will become even more annoying af.

[@lilyghassemzadeh]

My great aunt in law is 75, never married, no children. She says it just didn't happen and she has no regrets at all. I love her attitude and optimism.

[@aya-chan4784]

Exactly ! No need to push it on women, if it doesn't happen, it is not meant to happen and that's it !

[@toneluy8343]

I'm 36 with no kids. The only drawback to me is that it seems hard to find a partner that also doesnt want kids. Other than that I'm very happy with my choice.

[@blackisntdarkenough]

Being childfree and single is definitely a different game than being childfree and happily married. I hope we both find that right person.

[@thebonniewong]

I'm at the same age and no kids as well. I have also found that men I date or speak to will always try to convince me other wise. Ok, you're not carrying or birthing the child, you have no say. Thanks, bye.

[@Evija3000]

I would think that many men at this age or a bit older already have kids from previous relationships and some would be ok with not having more. Not the case?

[@toneluy8343]

@@Evija3000 in my area there arent many of those, I live in a little Norwegian fjord so the dating market is pretty small.

[@Evija3000]

@@toneluy8343Ah, makes sense.

[@Rose_Ou]

I have never had maternal instinct but I did get pregnant and decided to give birth when I was 30. I love my son, I'd give my life to save his, but if I could turn back time I'd never ever do it again. My motherhood has been extremely lonely and traumatic because of my own unprocessed childhood traumas which motherhood very quickly exposed. I feel like I've been stuck/paralyzed/unable to take care of myself/completely not myself (if I met myself I wouldn't recognize me) and in a chronic depression for the past 17 years. My son was born with heart defect so all my attention and fears (!) focused on him. I stopped existing, my needs, my dreams, all gone. At 48 years old and him turning 18 next year I don't know who I am any more. I used to love life, I was always planning things, not any more. I suppose I'm also unemployable at this point so I feel like my life has ended. It takes so much effort for me to convince myself that I still have a chance to make things work when he graduates high school and starts university but it's like learning everything from scratch or waking up from a 17 year coma. I guess I'm just trying to warn women who feel like outcasts because they lack maternal instinct but decide, usually under pressure, to take this route. You will most likely regret it.

[@Aniexo_]

Take it slow! You’ll find the things you love and yourself. But it’s going to take it you still have a fulfilling life to live. Start small & work from there

[@irenecurtolokuhne829]

It's NEVER too late, sweetheart.

[@Rose_Ou]

@@irenecurtolokuhne829 ❤

[@Rose_Ou]

@@Aniexo_ ❤

[@sherezadeetchebarne7043]

So sad to read your story :( I think my mom went through something like that, she had depresion and anxiety, she went into therapy for nearly 10 years. Now she is another woman, she discovered that she loves painting and gardening and enjoys watching HBO and Netflix, also she likes traveling with her peers, she is happy now ( she's 70)

[@elevenisonelouder]

I have two kids and genuinely enjoy them. I think there's nothing better than a trip to the zoo or playground with them. The saddest thing in the world are the parents who aren't enjoying their kids and are just counting down the days for them to grow up and leave the house. People should be opting in to having children, it shouldn't be any sort of a default. Every baby/child/teenager should be wanted and loved.

[@t.a.yeah.]

How do you tell if you want children? I don't know if I want to be a mom... It's the hardest question for me. How do I know if the picture of me beiing a mom is what I want or what society told me to want?

[@vkrgfan]

@@t.a.yeah. One way to find out is to babysit your friend's kids and spend some time with them then you will either feel that motherhood is for you or you won't.

[@lisica8974]

​@@t.a.yeah.Hi, I can't resonate to things what @vkrgfan had written. I personally didn't like oder children, only from nearest family but also I didn't play with them often. And now, since 3 weeks I'm a mother and from the first second I saw my baby, I think she was perfect and I can't imagine life without her. I have also worried through whole pregnancy: what will happen if I don't like my baby or what will happen if my mother instinct don't activate, isn't to late for a baby etc. But our human body are amazing and everything switched on by itself.

[@daniellelearnsstuff]

haha you perfectly expressed in words how my Mum felt. She was just counting down the days. Stuff that lifestyle !

[@littlesunshine5029]

I have not enjoyed being a mother for the first three years, but I absolutely love it now when my child is older. It is not black and white. Being a parent is an interesting life experience which would be a huge pity to miss out on. I feel that I understand now other people a lot better than I did before having a child

[@Fruitbat1]

I don’t see why it’s such an issue when women choose not to have kids. I did and have four gorgeous kids, and very happy with my choice. Happy for anyone else and their choice. This is what women’s freedoms are about ~ we make our own choices. Go Girls 🎉❤

[@luciedvorakova2167]

Interesting no one has a problem with child free men, only with women as always.... But having children is physically so much easier if you're man then woman because man doesn't need to go through the pains of pregnancy & birth...

[@TheFabFarmer]

I think people are put-off by child-free women because it is biologically perverse for a woman not to want to become a mother and a man not to want to contribute to the next generation. It’s just not right! Children are what make life worth living…the joy and hope of the next generation!

[@user-gv2sc8vf8p]

Happy parents don't question childfree people. The unhappy parents do. They are jealous and misery seeks company. They wish we would suffer the same way they do

[@Dontmind8]

@@TheFabFarmer It’s much better that people are being “perverse” and understand their own limitations, than of them bringing a child or children into this world who are not wanted. There’s millions upon millions of children around the world being neglected, abandoned, abused and killed. Children who are no attended to, cared for, cherished and loved by their parents. It’s heartbreaking. Every child deserves devoted parents, who love them unconditionally and are willing to care for them and provide them the very best conditions to be raised in. Funny how you people who bash childree by choice people don’t ever talk about the awful conditions so many children are born into. You guys only seem to be caring about children when they’re in the womb. Once they’re out, they don’t matter. I never see these lecturers bringing up these factors I mentioned when discussing this topic. You guys love to have a moral superiority over others, and judge them for their decisions but could care less about whether children are actually being cared for properly.

[@SigynRegn]

❤❤❤

[@beSEAMAN1]

I have a friend in her 80s who never had children, I asked if that was planned. Her response was "I was not blessed with children, but in many other ways" I think this is a great way to see our lives. I lam in my 30s childfree by choice and have left my home country to explore, that makes me happy, I have friends my age with children who are equally happy with their life choices. We're all here for a different purpose.

[@Christianna271]

"I was not blessed with children, but in many other ways". I LOVE this. I have the most wonderful husband, friends, and close relationships with family. Looking at life from this perspective is a great antidote for those of us who weren't able to have children, or were never really sure about remaining childfree. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@kemsari9969]

I am 43 and a very happy childfree woman. I had a longlasting relationship for 20 years and in 2020 he broke up with me to be with another woman. I am so glad, that i never had any children with him. I am living my best life without him and any other men and without any children. I got a new job, i bought my own house together with my sister, she is also childfree, and we love together in it with our 7 dogs. Its THE BEST! I am a very introvert person. I love my alone time (reading, doing yoga, playing computer games, watching tv series or youtube), i love being on my own, eating what i want when i want to and only have to care for my dogs and our garden.

[@nikiedewael3766]

❤

[@dijonay971]

Aw living with your sister sounds lovely 😊

[@annas4191]

[@BLKfootIndian]

Farming has way more value! And we need water defenders Women are keys to climate change. Reduce repurpose and reformation to all lives on this here Earth🎉

[@Bryony-p1k]

😊q

[@squeezedamilo]

Truly, a happy childless woman lifestyle is something very underrepresented in society today. I am 31, currently single, childless, pay my own bills, live alone, have time for all the things that interest me, and live a fulfilled and happy life. But I don't see other women my age doing the same a lot. Almost everyone I know is in a permanent search, or married long time ago, or in a relationship with someone, and usually, these people look at me from the perspective of their (often very entangled and stressful) lives with condescending compassion, like, poor thing, it must be so hard for you to be alone... It's very weird. I wish I had more childfree women around me to be able to relate and share experiences.

[@livelovedaydream]

I am in a similar situation to you and two years older. I don't meet many women doing the same thing as me. I wish I would meet some and become friends with them. I know more of us are out there

[@mirianakovachevic748]

It is hard to be alone. That's why single people keep telling themselves how everybody can be happy , live meaningful life without partner and kids etc. Once, your parents are gone you basically don't have family and friends move with their lives while you stay in the same place as when you were a teen but now you are old.

[@hugodaniel8975]

Who will take care of you when you grow older

[@sy_dianne5224]

@@hugodaniel8975 Children are not supposed to be brought into the world to be caretakers later on

[@sy_dianne5224]

@@mirianakovachevic748 Bringing children into the world just out of fear of being alone is very selfish in my opinion

[@Es_Tay]

Growing up my biggest fear was getting pregnant, going through childbirth and raising a kid. I'm 30 now and it still feels so terrifying and alien to me. I didn't like children when I was a child, and I don't like them now. And kids don't like me, it's like they can tell. Animals however, I love them all, and they tend to love me, even random wild animals I can easily form a connection with. As much as I can easily connect with adults, small humans are just not my thing. I'll be the weird aunt who teaches them all the shit their parents won't when they're in their teens.

[@speechwithmrs.k9428]

Relate 100%

[@magnarcreed3801]

Same.

[@Christian___]

SSRIs?

[@yogasiostra]

It's great to know that I'm not the only person for whom having children seems unnatural. I cannot imagine myself as a mother, so I totally get your point of view 🙂

[@Danuxsy]

It's not unnatural, it's evolution.

[@FireSilver25]

I’m 48 and CF. I feel like a dodged a nuclear warhead! I do enjoy kids (in small doses) but I never wanted to be a mother. I’m also an artist and gardener so I feel like I have a legacy and that I’m a creator. I look and feel ten years younger. I have freedom and agency over my life. I get to sleep, cook whatever whenever, only clean up after myself, and have a social life. It’s really awesome! We’ve been lied to all this time!!!! Being a spinster cat lady is delicious! Only people who truly want, and can provide for, children should have them. They should be the ones who have to justify that, as kids deserve a loving stable environment. ❤

[@nullinlack585]

Excellent my dear user

[@BLKfootIndian]

Feels. I don't have it in me to go any more burials. I don't want that call bout a skool pop off. Men make the world violent. Can't assure kids safety. Helpless hopeless and feel homeless spiritually ina world that hates colored ppl. Can't undo nor fix inequality

[@katherinebaxter6870]

I’m 48 and child free by choice and have never regretted it. Children honestly overwhelm me. I love being able to move if and when I like, traveling when I want and eat when and what I want without worrying about the care of children. I like having the flexibility of being child free. I love being able to spend time on things I love. I have never wanted to have kids, hold kids, raise them, etc. There are so many beautiful types of love and children are their own people, they may never love their parents the way the parents hope. I have seen many struggle with that. Love is a choice.

[@hollamonE]

I am 46, and so grateful I don't have children. 100%, noooooo regrets. ❤️

[@JanGlow]

I’m 46 and child free as well. Loving it still! ❤

[@JennyMustard]

amazing, so happy for you!! x

[@MakeUpWitch]

Same here 😁

[@hollamonE]

Most of my friends are on a second divorce with kids... I one hundred percent understand things don't work out, and noooooo judgment. I am just grateful my divorce didn't involve children as someone who is the collateral damage to a marriage that really didn't work.

[@nancymiceli4446]

Same here 😊

[@LennyKJ1]

I'm 51 year old female with no children. I have no regrets but would have had none with children too ❤. Our lives are so brief and love every minute!

[@johannamartinez5463]

Agree 100%

[@Impactgracearts]

Love this topic and video! I am a mom and in my thirties as well. And I appreciate that you highlight the bodily autonomy of choosing to have or not have children, it is an important message that no one should be forced or coerced into being pregnant and giving birth. To answer your questions: YES the love I have for my child is like nothing else, an imperfect analogy for this is like growing a plant from a seed into a fruit tree, but times 1000. I also think the reciprocity of love from a child is unlike any other because they come into it so innocent and free with their affection it brings something into my life that an adult partner cannot do. I see many childfree people experiencing this by being aunts/uncles to relatives or their friends children. I also understand the Christmas time desire for traditions and nostalgia, from my limited time as a mother (my child is almost 2) there is a strong sense of re-living childhood through them, but there is also a really fun aspect of the child creating new traditions and memories. Additionally you nailed the parental guilt on the head, yes there is a twinge of guilt when I'm sitting down to create when I could(should?) be doing xyz for or with my child. I am thankful I have a "go with the flow" kind of personality and though I do still think about and feel the guilt I am able to realize that it will be ok my child with not suffer or love me less if I go out for a few hours and sit at a cafe and write. I have the privilege of having an amazing partner who is equally involved in childcare, and we make it a priority for us each to get time to be autonomous adults in the world each week. Lastly I love the simplicity of your meal plan, and would say that a child does not have to change that at all! Not trying to say thus you should have children but as an encouragement to anyone else who likes this style of eating who does want children. A wonderful bit of wisdom someone shared with me once was that you don't have to change your whole life to fit a child, but you can welcome your child into your life and let them participate in all the things you loved before you had a child. Children are incredibly adaptable and it's a joy to see them learn and grow into who they are. Thank you again for this video and showing a fulfilled childfree life for those who are and for those of us who aren't!

[@JennyMustard]

love your input!! thanks for sharing all this 💖

[@minimallyleah7208]

I love everything you said especially about fitting one's children into one's life. Just dropping everything or most things just because one has a kid can also be a recipe for disaster I think. Life is to be enjoyable and indeed enjoyed, with or without kids. I think people can make having a kid harder than it needs to be also. Parenthood can be great also if we heal emotional trauma from childhood.

[@DamnTastyVegan]

Just turned 40. Still happily childfree. I see how much time, energy, worry and stress goes into being a mom from watching my friends and sister and I don't think I could handle it on top of all my existing anxieties. I love being an Auntie though.

[@ioanax3421]

Thank you for emphasizing the personal choice aspect of having children, a beautiful, heartfelt and honest message that I wish more cultures would embrace.

[@JennyMustard]

You are so kind 💖

[@Margarita_Kaina]

Thank you for this video! Me and my husband are also in our 30s and we decided not to have kids. We are 100% sure about our choice but I can see how the older we get, the harder it is to find friends, because most people already have children or getting them soon and their lifestyle changes completely. I would really appreciate if you could do a video on this topic - how to find friends/stay connected if you are childfree and most of your peers aren't. I even started to find hard to relate to most of the bloggers of my age because their lifestyle, experiences and life hacks they share are waaay different if they have kids.

[@hanelno]

I’d love this too. We’ll literally be the only ones of our respective groups of friends not having kids.

[@lcgibson]

i feel the same way, totally agree! even the friends who said they never wanted to have kids, now have kids, and we often grow apart because our lives are so different, or either dont really see each other anymore because people with kids basically dont have time anymore, its hard to find new friends in your 30s.

[@bimsdawns]

This is so true!! I can notice a shift or change in my friendships with others who do have kids. Some relationships try to press children as a status symbol which doesn't make me feel good & I distance myself. But I think the best thing that can help is just be a friend & accept them despite all these changes. I think if we choose to keep people close to our hearts a friendship can last, as long as the intentions are reciprocated :)

[@Margarita_Kaina]

@@lcgibson yes! So true! Even with my sister it’s become harder since she had a baby, especially considering that we live in different countries. Makes me so sad 😭

[@Margarita_Kaina]

@@bimsdawns I agree. But time that we are spending together with friends also counts, and it’s harder to find it when they are with kids + they start to have other friends with kids who they spend time with more because of their similar lifestyle.

[@lenakiss7762]

The two most surprising things about parenthood for me 1. The productivity. I had my baby while writing my master's thesis, and as a major procrastinator, I was surprised at how much easier it is to use my free time to focus and write. Maybe it's because I know that my quiet time is limited or because, with all my insecurities about motherhood, it's great to do something I'm actually good at and be productive in the old-school way. Who knows... 2. The love I feel for her is really different from anything else. I always thought I was a strong, independent person, but now I'm just not willing to live in a world without her in it, and I'm hoping it never happens. Quite scary, to be honest. I absolutely love being a mother, but I'm so proud of every woman who knows themselves enough to realize it's not for them and stand by their choice against the haters. Let's create a society of happy people choosing their own paths, regardless of traditions and expectations.

[@nicelypenn]

What was your master's thesis in?

[@Imaginativeone_DF]

I might be having a personal-productivity experience, similar to yours. Before kids, I was ambitious, creative, and hardworking...BUT. I wasn't as fanatical about squeezing every ounce of LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST from every millisecond as I am now, with our two kids (now teens). "Delivering the best Dad services" to them stepped-up my game in the others areas of my life.

[@rastlinesofine]

I remember the feeling when I realized - having children is optional?! I didn't see it as a choice other than how many you want to have. When I realized it was a choice a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. I love children and I love being an aunt, but I love having a choice of how much time that is and when. I love my creative work and my life so much, I really don't want it to change! I feel like having children would be just to satisfy the norms and expectations of others. I'm so happy that I realized that. Thank you for talking about it so freely! ❤

[@kikerikike]

Same!

[@gabigoulart]

Same!

[@specialagentorange4329]

Stop following the crowd. Think independently.

[@GodSoLoved.Yeshua]

@specialagentorange4329 It's not follow the crowd, children are a natural stage of life.

[@specialagentorange4329]

​@@GodSoLoved.Yeshua It's a "natural" process but raising them in this age takes work, sweat, tears, money, and love. 100 years ago I would.have agreed with you

[@aishaliane]

I’m 29, child free, and LOVE my life. My partner (32) and I were playing a couple’s question game last week, and one question was what do you love most about your life? He answered: the freedom that I have. My jaw dropped and I screamed, THAT’S MY ANSWER! I’m so happy that we’re on the same page to not have children. Our lives are so peaceful. I do not have the capacity to have a little human come in and change my way of life, my body, my finances, or anything else that will never be the same after becoming a mother.

[@justforsomething]

I'm 37 and child free by choice, and won't ever change my mind, because being child free for me means happiness.

[@lanxidong1851]

I’m a big supporter of women choosing to be childfree - though ironically I am watching this while nursing my one month old baby. Pregnancy and parenthood are such immense, irreversible life events; I believe no one should do it unless they desperately want to (I did!). Some points from my experience so far that I’ll add to the discourse: I don’t feel like the core of my identity has changed, though my roles and responsibilities certainly have. I may be sleep deprived, but I’m still as into my passions, hobbies and creative work as ever. I’m focused on caring for my child’s needs, while devising ideas for projects I hope to undertake when things are more settled and making a list of restaurants for future date nights sans-baby with my husband (thanks grandma!). Secondly, I feel like having children can also keep you young in some ways. I may not be painting the town red, but my evenings are filled with more play and silly songs than I can ever remember. People who truly have a youthful spirit will be able to find their fun, with or without children.

[@lanxidong1851]

@@shanierez8017 Haha no thanks

[@justathumb]

as many compromises as you have to make, they certainly bring things into perspective, in a really wonderful amd selfless way. i imagine it has the same kind of rewards as being a care worker, but a lot more cheerful! (my bub is 1.5 and ive gone through the whole gamut of emotions on the topic)

[@funmif]

Seeing the world through my kids eyes has made me more youthful than I have ever felt. I am a lot more creative and more willing to take risks.

[@UEkaterina]

I’m 42 and my son is 18 😊 when his friends see us together they often ask him to introduce his girlfriend (i.e.me 😝) to them and when they find out that I’m his mom they are usually shocked. And it happens in different countries 🙂 We lived in Ukraine and now we live in the UK - the situation is the same so far 😅😊 Also the moment your child goes to school you begin to have more and more time for yourself and your relationships with the husband. We thought about the second child but we became so selfish and ambitious 🙄 so now it’s hard to persuade ourselves to sacrifice our time one more time 🤪 However I couldn’t allow myself be child free - I would be unhappy definitely. But I respect conscious choice of others not to have children.

[@kikerikike]

Painting the town red-what a Wonderfull saying. Never heard it! Now it will be part of my childfree AND not very party like life....:) Love to everyone!

[@jennyb610]

This is such a lovely message and I would like to see the idea of choice being universally embraced. I would never dream of questioning someone who chooses parenthood but I am often questioned about remaining childless - I like the idea of women supporting each other in the choices we make. Thank you for a lovely video

[@toqa6735]

YESS

[@luvlyrickle]

As a woman who's childfree by choice, I actually have asked people why they want children. It started admittedly as a bit of passive-aggressive pushback on the questions I constantly had to field, but then evolved into an open, genuine curiosity. What's fascinating is how many are unable to land on a definitive response - for some, it's just the default option which they haven't deeply questioned. Mind you, there's no 'right' or 'wrong' answer - "I just always wanted a mini-me" or "My ovaries ache when I see babies" or "I'd just love to feel that kind of love" are all valid responses, in my book! But I'm surprised how many people don't even get there. The notion of parenthood as a choice is still foreign to many. Thanks for the great video and I'll check out your article next! 😊

[@juheena7293]

How many times I heard “ well you can adopt ? “ speechless ..

[@nilaphi-Living_Phi_Nomad]

Recently 40 and super happy with my partner and no children. I love the freedom it allows us to experience life, to travel, to grow as humans. I’m also super grateful to have nieces and excited to do Christmas with them for the nostalgia and tradition you mentioned. But I honestly think the decision not to have kids was the best one for me. One tough moment for me though was when I told a very good friend that I didn’t want to have kids and she told me “I don’t think you should give up yet,” which really hurt. I didn’t feel seen in that moment at all.

[@gracemedina58]

I don't think it's "giving up" to decide not to have children. It's a choice . It's also being honest with yourself that having children is not a desire that everyone has. No one should try to convince anyone who chooses not to have children that they have made a mistake.

[@magdalenaivarsson]

I'm tired and sad about beeing attacked if I dare say I don't want to be a mother. I don't hate children and never will be hating children. I just don't want the day to day. Thank you for voicing this! My husband and I are so happy to be together and none of us wishes to be parents (we both were very open about this when meeting eachother, that's so important!).

[@alittlebitlaura]

Loved your book and so grateful for your voice on this. I too have chosen not to have children and at 52, I have zero regrets. Thank you for raising awareness for other women who may feel like something is wrong with them for not wanting children. Something is wrong with all the parents out there who don’t take the responsibility seriously. Enjoy your chosen lifestyle. ❤

[@LiaBunny93]

I remember watching you when I was 23. I'm 31 now. and childless. I have a lot of animals. So, I'm just busy taking care of them.

[@Backpfeifengesicht45]

My wife and I made the call to not have kids over a decade ago and have no regrets. On my lunch break one Friday in May, I text my wife to pack an overnight bag and our passports. I picked her up outside Dublin after work and by 9pm we were in Paris. I booked the flights and hotel 5 minutes before texting. We're currently floating the idea of moving to Berlin. Try doing that with kids.

[@lucysour]

I'm 35 and childfree by choice. I have a dog who I love very much and truly enjoy caring for, but this choice really solidified my decision to remain child free because caring for other creatures is time consuming, expensive, and can be difficult. Luckily all I had to worry abt is training my dog to be an excellent dog and get along with other people and animals. A child is much harder haha.

[@koningjessica]

First time mom here, my baby is 11 months now and I really underestimated being a parent. Responsibility of caring for another human comes hand in hand with anxiety for me. Like you said, all the things you influence as a parent and all the things you can 'mess up'. And I still cannot get used to being called "mom". And yes, I really miss traveling without kids. Everything feels rushed, because yes everything takes so much time. Don't get me wrong, I do not feel regret! Not at all! I love my baby to bits, but I can get behind all of your reasons to be child free :) It's a huge adjustment and it takes getting used to. For me at least.

[@hanelno]

I’m not a mother. But having one I just wanted to just send a little reminder (I’m sure you realise) but the fact that you are worrying caring that much means you are doing great already. Hope you grow to feel more comfortable in the role as time goes 🫶

[@consberg1990]

I’m not a mom yet (but in a few months!), but to be honest I’ve never understood why we can’t have regrets. I’m bracing myself because I know that I’ve always been a very independent soul and having a child will change that completely and I can’t just do what I want to do anymore. For me, that’s a big sacrifice and I’m sure there’ll be those night-feedings where I’m honestly regretting everything. And to me, that’s perfectly natural; you can’t give something meaningful up without regretting it sometimes. How I hope I’ll deal with it, though, is that I’ll remind myself that the reward is worth the sacrifice. But yeah, I wish women weren’t so hard on themselves; I’ve heard from multiple of my male friends who are new fathers that there are certainly times where they regret having to change their lives around, but they still think it’s worth it. I’ve never heard any of my female friends tell me this and it seems like they’re almost ashamed to not be 1000% into their new roles as mothers all the time.

[@mariep5431]

@@consberg1990 100000% agree. i'm pregnant too at the moment and absolutely relate to everything you wrote.

[@justathumb]

@@consberg1990my bub is 16 months and absolutely can relate! i think the most daunting aspect i didn't know about that would have helped - is that the input vs reward scales are completely tipped in opposite directions at the start - the first few months are by FAR the hardest, and you don't yet have all the experiences yet to know how much it WILL be worth it. babies get easier and exponentially more rewarding, into a realm that's beyond the experience of pets after the first year...because they're human and we can communicate more easily with them. just be reassured that the hardest parts come FIRST, it only gets better after that, all my doubt and anxiety fell away as i came to realise that. i imagine that's why people generally find having a second kid is easier, they KNOW it's worth it from experience ❣️

[@weronikaj9612]

I can totally relate, as a mother of 3year old twins. First year with them was a real rollercoaster and I found myself often regretting their existence, which made me feel guilty. It took me almost two years to come back to build my new identity, as a mother but also as ME, in this new situation. I have an impression that many of my friends fell into their new role with ease, they embraced it from the beginning. I definitely needed more time but it's normal too!

[@pitbullizzy]

I have 4 pups. They make me happy. I love them as my babies. I never wanted kids... never imagined being a mom at all. My friends with kids are miserable. I feel free and at peace.

[@celinedupin7140]

I'm 38 and so happy with my choice of being childfree : it brings so much freedom and spontaneity to my life. Your thougths are totally making sense to me, especially the food-prep one 😅 Thank you for this video 🙏

[@JennyMustard]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@MammarellaClarisa]

Thanks for talking about this Jenny. It's a very important topic. In my case, I'm not sure how to catalogue myself. I don't have children but my circumstances are not so straight forward. I'm neither a child free person that knew her entire life that didn't want to be a mom, nor a person that dreamed to have a child since I was a child myself. To be honest, I never thought about having children or being a mom. Neither like "yes, I want to" nor "no, I don't want to". I just didn't think about it at all. Then, at the end of my thirties, I met my husband and after a couple of years being together we decided to try to become parents. We tried for a couple of years, IVF treatments included, and nothing happened. Finally, after one ectopic pregnancy we decided to stop trying and I've been a 100% sure and happy with our decision. I love the life we have, both individually and together. I'm really happy and I don't feel bad at all about not having children. In fact, sometimes I feel grateful that it didn't happen because there are so many things that I'm doing/looking forward to do that would be really difficult or impossible to do with children. And to be honest, if we had really wanted to have a child, there were things we could have done (adoption, egg donation, etc.). We have chosen not to do that. However, I find myself struggling a little bit with the fact that I don't feel I fit. I haven't been able to find representation for my circumstances. Most people either have children or decided not to have them. Or were not able to have them and feel bad about it or sad. I don't belong to any of those groups and sometimes it feels lonely not being able to find someone that understand my circumstances. Anyway, listening to you, although our situations are different, helps a little bit. Sorry for the long comment but maybe there is someone else reading that is in the same spot I am and this might help them.

[@lzlzlz347]

Thank you for sharing your story. I am 30 yrs and have felt the same about kids as you. Never particulary wanted kids but also did not despise the idea. Lots of my female friends say that they knew they wanted to be a mother ever since they were young. They are now stressing over finding a partner and getting kids before its too late. I choose to not engage in that stress. I try to just see whatever happens and will be content with that outcome. I can see a life ahead of me without kids that would be fulfilling and happy. But also having a kid could be nice as well, if its with the right person. Also; studys say that people without kids end up to be happier that people with kids. Soooo... ;)

[@MammarellaClarisa]

@@lzlzlz347 Thank you, really, for sharing this. I can totally relate to what you said. I felt exactly the same when I was 30. I'm 42 now and, although the time when I tried to conceive was really stressful and horrible, I feel really happy and at peace now, so you are right. Whatever happens with you, you will be ok 🙂. Thank you again. It feels really really nice to find someone I can relate to 💜.

[@kikerikike]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@Chahlie]

My dad's cousin, now 90, did not marry or have children. She devoted her life to being a midwife and is finishing out her life in the house where she was born. She has had a full life. I had four boys, the youngest died at 19, the eldest has a brain injury from a car crash. I devoted my life to them at the expense of any career of my own, and here I am at 60 on my own. I gave them a far better bringing up than my parents did me, so there is that. For people who don't have children there are so many children in the world who are in need of guidance as their parents can't be bothered, there is much that child free folks can give back.

[@nikiedewael3766]

❤

[@dijonay971]

❤❤

[@Imaginativeone_DF]

Hmm...a giant part of the Child Free experience appears to be "enjoying their own life". In my opinion, that's CERTAINLY a worthy goal. Why would they add some jerk's abandoned kids to their polished experience? Also, my compliments to you on providing your kids with excellent parenting.

[@Helenemonblogdefille]

I am 53 and I never wanted children; I am so happy that I followed what I deeply needed, just like you I love me free life ;-)

[@schneckirella]

Jenny, next video could be all the weekly Mustards' recipes. Every time there is a meal b-roll in your videos, I pause and try to figure out, what ingredients might be in them. Please share them, this could be a seasonal series, like the hauls and anti-hauls :) This one was again very important about the choice of being childfree. I've never felt the calling. Taking care of myself and the loved ones around me are more than enough. Being a parent is a huge responsibility and I would be anxious all the time, what I could do wrongly or if I repeat the pattern of my toxic parents.

[@teo9847]

I love this video. Thank you. I am a 51 year old child-free woman who has absolutely zero regrets for not having children. I never had any want to be a mother at any time in my life. If ever there was a choice between holding a baby or holding a puppy, Puppy would win hands down! And yes I do have a furbaby. My four year old dog brings me all the joy I could ever want ! 🐶 Oh and on a sidenote, I also eat the same thing day in and day out and I love it!! And the ironic thing is, I am a professionally trained chef!!

[@amandalapanda394]

My one and only daughter just turned one year old. I had her just before my 41st birthday. I have had many long languid dinners with many bottles of wine 😂. Travelled and read books. Danced all night and binged watched Terrace House 😂. I am now full time stressed and feel like I never have a moment of down time. But I will again…later. I’m an experience junkie and I needed to know what that “love” felt like. And now I know. It’s incredible. My daughter makes me want to cry with joy she’s so beautiful inside and out. I too feel deep love for my partner but it is definitely different to my love for my daughter. We joke with each other, “you can live without me if you had to, but she can’t. She’s so dependent and innocent”. It’s very hard to describe. But my greatest love? Jenny and her videos! Or course! ❤

[@Imaginativeone_DF]

That "love experience" you feel for you kid? It never stops. May you have that joy for the rest of your life.

[@midari8241]

Having a child?!?! In this economy?!?!

[@gothichippielovechild3198]

35 and husband is 32. Coming up on our 10 year anniversary, childfree, and we’ve loved our time together with our two cats. We’re happy and it’s enough for us.

[@winterburden]

Thanks Jenny Mustard! I'm childfree by choice in my 40s, it's the best 🤩

[@surigaononinoslo]

I am 34. Happily married. Child-free. I have always been open-minded as to having kids of my own or none at all. I recently found out that I and my husband may not be able to have kids of our own. And I told a friend that I’m okay with it. I love babies, and as a couple we would be happy to have just one, but why would we push it too hard. Besides it is out of our control. The response from one of my friends was unexpected. I was told that "one of the main purpose of marriage is multiplication". So what about those who just can’t have one? 😅 Oh well… I guess my husband and I are destined for a different kind of multiplication. 😊

[@ekaterinanekrasova9630]

I'm so sorry that you had to endure this comment, wow, people can be so insensitive 😢 I love your attitude, thank you for sharing your story. I hate when people equate marriage and family to having children. But those comments say more about them and their notion of life purpose. May you and your partner live the happy life that you want 😊

[@duckyplays7390]

Similar position here. We were told we would need IVF to have kids and I was not down for that at all. We feel quite happy without kids and we've lived this way for over 10 years. We're happy if it did happen, but it's not looking likely. There's always adoption but I don't think we are 100% on that either. I know we'd be great at parenthood but we're also happy just being the two of us, having money, and going on vacations.

[@youdeservethis]

I am divorced, 54, and childfree! I do not regret it a bit! Good for you!

[@lalunalilac]

as a person who wants five kids you are amazing and i respect your views! Your videos are awesome and so relaxing!

[@kikerikike]

❤

[@specialagentorange4329]

Are you going to milk the system?

[@lalunalilac]

excuse me? @@specialagentorange4329

[@WhiteNoiseValhalla]

@@specialagentorange4329 i can pretty much guarantee she's going to.

[@annajiraskova7386]

As someone who (happily) has two kids, I think your take is very accurate :) All of the drawbacks of having kids that you mention are definitely real, for me personally it still feels worth it and I adore my kids, but I also understand the appeal of not having children. I think for those who feel a deep longing to be parents, having kids is worth it, and for those who are sure they don't want them, it's not. I don't know what I would tell someone who is on the fence about it. I feel like once you have a child, you won't say you shouldn't have had them because it's like saying you wish this person that you love very much was never born. But are you truly happier than you would have been childfree? Not necessarily. Anyways Jenny, this is an important conversation and I'm glad you're talking about it. Also, Okay Days was awesome! Book of the year for me for sure (not that I have read that many since I hardly have any time to read because of my children :)))

[@veronikab1607]

This!❤

[@LittleDebbie11]

It's so true, someone in their mid20s asked me what I thought about having kids and they were trying to decide and the first thing I said is "The big thing is you can never go back once you have them." Almost every choice in our life is reversible but children is not one of them. I think the ghost ship problem is very real, you're always wondering what the parallel you would be doing and it's a paradox, you'll never have the answer.

[@am88ten1]

I’m 38 and I have two young kids and I enjoy them every single day so much it’s hard to put in words! I became a mom at age 35 so I did experience my 30s without children and those years I travelled the world with my husband, went on girl trips with my friends, went to music festivals and so much more. But I have to say as much as it’s hard sometimes to balance life when you have kids I enjoy doing stuff with my kids a million times more! I’ve experienced love the way I never knew possible before having them! I am a career woman and my career is very important to me but nothing gives me purpose as much as my kids do! If you understand and accept that your lifestyle has changed after becoming a parent and learn to enjoy your new lifestyle rather than hanging onto your old child-free lifestyle, then you realize how amazing having children can be. I would choose a chaotic but full of love and laughter home every single day! Being a mom is my most precious role in life!

[@apcv1025]

Thank you for your honesty! The last point is so honest and real!!!! There are other type of love that are very strong and real!

[@JennyMustard]

agree!!! 💖

[@nikedoesthings]

I am 35 and childfree by choice as well. Like you I already knew I did not want to be a mom when I was a child, and this never changed, regardless of other women telling me it would. And it should be okay like that. My life is fun and my work is fulfilling. I do not think I'd be a good parent, not everyone is suitable to have children either. I believe not every man or woman was meant to procreate, I think. If we all did, the earth will soon be crawling with hungry humans and too little food, too much waste, too little drinkable water, more war, etc.. We should all be more accepting that not everyone is the same. People can have 10 kids by choice or have none by choice. Live and let live. ☮

[@surlespasdondine]

I once wrote an article on my (French) blog that loosely translated was called: "I'm a mom therefore you should be one too" - an ironic title of course about drawing conclusions from your own life choices and projecting them on other people. I never understand this. In the same way I don't understand people arguing whether a room is painted a nice color or not. It's all in the eye of the beholder. To me having kids was my biggest dream in life. For some of my friends, it would have been a nightmare. We understand each other perfectly. ❣

[@SarkoMontaug]

As a 47 year old who spent my 20s and 30s reassuring everyone in my life that I would not be changing my mind about not having kids, I'm glad this topic is finally making its way into a bigger conversation. I love seeing all the parents in the comments being so understanding of those of us who don't want to be parents. That has not always been the reaction.

[@artistforlife]

As someone with kids on the cusp of adulthood, it's like my career/life are just about to start again and part of me has just been in hibernation. I'll never know what might have been over those years and I hope there are enough left to pursue my own dreams again.

[@JennyMustard]

there will be, i’m sure! best of luck 💖

[@surlespasdondine]

you can pursue a lot while having kids but of course not to the same extent. Best of luck to you!

[@ellamackenzie5156]

My mum was a regretful parent. She struggled with post-partum and we could never bond. My parents eventually moved overseas anyway so I was forced to focus on a career and find a way of survival. To say I exhausted myself is an understatement. I am finally at a point at the age of 31 of complete peace and the thought of having a child is something I cannot fathom for myself. I finally have a rythym with good friends and a stable life. It is all I will ever need ✨️❤️

[@beitheleaf8221]

Taking a moment to appreciate both Jenny’s video, and the lovely support and respect seen in Mustardia ;) glad this community is so kind and open minded ❤❤

[@hannahheavens4932]

I think it's so great that you are talking about this subject 👍 my husband and me are child free and most people either assume I already have children or tell me I should 🙈 it's important to normalise women choosing to not have children and also making it less difficult for women that can't have children but still get the same things said to them 😢

[@ruthneumann7019]

Thank you for discussing this subject! I wish there was more dialogue about this when I was younger. Happily child free at 35 :) I love my life, husband, friends and all my hobbies and interest I get to explore.

[@queendsheena1]

As a fellow child free person. Thank you for sharing your unique story.

[@MakeUpWitch]

Jenny, I didn't know you had an article out! I'll dash to read it right after finishing this comment. The thing with age you mention occurred to me just recently. People tend to think I'm 15 years younger and it happened to me many times that they were shocked when they knew my real age. I don't think it has anything to do with maturity or responsibility. As an oldest child of unreliable egocentric parents I was helping with the household chores and I was responsible for my siblings to a certain degree. I just think the actual pregnancy and labor exhausts the body and adds to the aging process. This time you didn't mention the thing that many people say about us childfree people: that we're selfish. Well, I was unfortunate to have a narcissist father and an immature egocentric mother. None of them were selfless or loving. Having children was their choice but both of them made the choice based on wrong reasons. He wanted offspring to brag with. She wanted dolls to play with. Based on what I saw around me during my life I don't believe parent love comes automatically. Neither does the responsibility. To conclude this rant, I'm happily child free woman and I'm grateful for my life.

[@lcgibson]

YES! i am often called selfish for not wanting kids.. the funny thing is, when you ask why people choose to have kids, they often reply "because I want to", "I dont wanna be alone when im old", "whos gonna take care of me when i get old?" etc. and many similar responses... the reason is very, very often about themselves, not the actual kids, which to me is selfish, so choosing not to get kids should logically be the opposite, not selfish :) I am childfree by choice too :)

[@livelovedaydream]

I find the age thing interesting as well. I usually get guessed for younger than my age too, and so does my best friend who is also child free. Thats another perk

[@northwoodfalls1403]

What a gracious way to hold the conversation, Jenny. I am a mother of 6. So, kinda the polar opposite to your lived experience hahaha 😂 What I see when I watch you is a woman who has a very soft and loving heart with much love to give and David is a very lucky man to have you as a partner, as I think you feel in regards to him likewise. To find someone in this life to love like that is such a gift and one not every person gets to have. I think that is the most important thing: to love and be loved. You knew from a young age you did not want to have children, I knew from a young age that that is all I really wanted for myself: to be a mother. And I always wanted a big family. Yes, everything you touched upon comes into play, but they are all things I wanted and embraced. No ones life is picture perfect. We all have to make sacrifices and compromises and accommodate the needs of the people we love. You and David have to do that for one another, I have to do that for my children. It doesn’t take anything away from my life because it is what I want. I have plenty of time to read (I’m an avid bookworm) or to binge shows or to pursue my interests. But after listening to how you described parenthood, I think my husband and I are perhaps more unusual. We are both very carefree spirits (both the babies of our families by quite a lot of years) and very spontaneous. We didn’t stop being those things when we had kids. We just lugged around a few more bodies on our adventures lol. I dunno, you just seem like such a sweet and loving person, Jenny. I have a lot of thoughts on this subject and I appreciate how much this video made me think. So, thank you for that. I felt like a lot of the specifics you touched on were more about your personality and the unusual life you and David have built for yourselves. Having children wouldn’t change that THAT much because your personality is what it is and I think you’d just find your own unique way to parent. I think you made the decision to not have children and you have committed your life to that path and that is really all there is to it. The reasons are all kind of extraneous. The decision and the reason for the decision came from somewhere deeper inside and you have chosen to honour that. Your life built up around that and now looks the way it looks, but you would have still been Jenny Mustard WITH kids …. Does that make sense? I guess I’m saying you’re a strong person who is very in touch with yourself and you just knew and had the strength to honour that. A lot of people kinda drift and make decisions via default. So, for me this conversation has sounded more like a person who is sharing that aspect of themself even more than the detail of their life happening to be one that does not include children. Your life is intentional. That is what makes it noteworthy and what resonates with others. So while it is not anything at all like what my life looks like, this conversation resonated with me and gave me good food for thought for my life as well.

[@Emilyak85]

Love the message in this video. I resonated with so many of the reasons why being child free is my choice. I’ve known this feeling since I was a teenager and it hasn’t wavered and I’m nearly 40. The only thing I’ve noticed that makes me a bit uncomfortable is when co workers or friends, who have children, ask me what my husband and I did over the weekend. It’s either a lazy day where we enjoy a late brunch or just do what ever we want. They lament about how they wish they had those days or wish they could do what we do. I never know how to respond to those comments. I kind of want to say, yeah it’s great having time to do what I want, when I want, but that sounds a bit brash.

[@carineazevedo13]

I'm 40 with no kids. I'm really happy and feel fulfilled with my life without them, but at 39, I had a moment of 'Am I making the right choice?' When the opportunity starts to fade and your decision becomes permanent, it's scary :) After a lot of consideration and talking with my husband, I'm again certain of this choice.

[@annas4191]

[@asahdo]

It’s so nice to see someone who talks about the positives of being child free without bashing children or people who choose to be parents. Sometimes it feels like there are people who want to create a fight between parents and child free people. Ultimately I think having a child is the right thing for some people and not having a child is the right thing for other people. Neither life is intrinsically or objectively better or worse. Different personalities suit different lifestyles. Like for example, in the video where she talks about how she gets to eat the way she wants and if she has a child then she would worry about getting their child’s diet perfect. For me, this has been one of the best things about having a child. Before I had a child I lived off of oven pizza and microwave meals. Once I got pregnant I so badly wanted to give my child the best nutrition that I learnt to cook for the first time in my life. Since then I’ve found so much joy in cooking properly good healthy meals and trying new recipes all the time. Many child free people are able to do all of that without a child being the catalyst to change. But not me, I needed to have a child to motivate me to learn and care about eating well.

[@weltschmertzz]

If people are gonna come for child-free women then they better come for "eligible bachelors" as well. A child-free lifestyle was never an issue until women did it too. The double standard is real.

[@isabelleandrasevic6115]

We got kids very late in life (42&45 at second child, my partner 47 & 50 respectively) so I know both lifestyles very well. And I think as magical as having children can be , really impossible to understand before, I loved my old life and I understand how having children without full commitment and passion could create resentment cause it’s just so challenging. So choice is key.

[@luckydevil1601]

Was it REAL hard to parent at a later age? I'm 34 now, have fertility issues and think about when to stop trying (I mean when it's too late already to handle such a hard task).

[@karenrobbins6656]

You are right about everything. I am a parent of two and gave up so much. I think society pushes parenthood for its own good but not for the good of the individual person

[@Autumnbutter]

I’m so glad you mentioned the part about love. I feel sorry for anyone who felt they had to have a child to experience intense, real, and unconditional love

[@danusia3000]

love this... I hope anyone who decides to have or not to have kids is super happy. I think everyone should be free to decide what's best. Also, some people find themselves childless not through choice, but by accident, or because of fertility issues. I love the reflections you provide on this topic, because social discourse on this is generally not very inclusive/balanced, but your discussion is.

[@woolypuffin392]

CF at 28 here, getting my tubal next month 🥳 So excited and this video comes at the best point in my life!

[@1987Peggysue]

I'm 37 and child free. I always knew I wasn't interested in being a mum from a young age. I find the interaction with small children tedious and mentally draining. It just doesn't appeal to me at all. It all just seems quite overwhelming and stressful to me.

[@janetmorgan9728]

Yes, the love you feel for your child is overwhelming. The emotion I have felt holding my newborns is unbelievable. The happiest moments of my life. Plus giving birth for me personally made me feel like an absolute godess! Such a powerful experience! The love for a spouse is terribly special, too, though, especially when you are best friends as well as lovers, as you and David are!❤❤ Ah, mom guilt! Yes, it's very real! Something that has helped me with that is seeing how happy the WHOLE family is when I am happy. And what makes me happy is having enough time to create. It's a difficult thing to keep balanced, for sure...but very worth it!

[@MarcusRideout]

Well snazzy - I remember watching one of your childfree videos from 7 years ago. Glad to see you're still here creating, Jenny! Fellow CF human!

[@valeriec3484]

I was child free throughout my thrirties and I was accepting of the fact that I might not have any, but I do love children, and so we did begin trying when I was 35. I had my son at 39. It is all consuming in the beginning, but now that he is a little older, age 4, I’m really able to do my own thing more. I’m an artist, and after he is asleep (7pm sharp) I’m able to work on my own art, and it’s actually become much better since I’ve been a parent for some reason. I think having a child has slowed me down in some ways, seeing him appreciate a small stone or a little bug in a way that I couldn’t as an adult, it’s beautiful. I love creating along side him. I do think being a parent hood challenges us in ways such as making time for self care. I’m not even talking long candlelit bubble baths but finding the time for a mammogram was very hard for me. My husband’s job requires travel and very long hours, so I stay home. I feel like my life is more relaxed because I don’t have to have a career. I do think having a career and being a mother would be too hard on me.

[@ZeynoGM]

I am a mother of 3 grown up kids and love it every single day. But I also respect every single woman who chooses not to have a child or can not have a child. It's their body, their life style, their decision. Woman is a woman with or without a child. They all deserve attention, respect, support, and love.

[@koahlition13]

Even after years of hearing others speak upon the same topics, I still enjoy listening to your side! Thank you for being here. 😊 I relate very much it is strangely wonderful ♡

[@alicaivanova7008]

Thank you so much for revisiting this important topic. It's truly refreshing to see such an open and well-presented perspective. As a 34-year-old woman from Germany who has chosen a childfree path, I appreciate the insights shared here. - Alica ❤

[@414caramel]

I’m so happy I found your channel. For many years I’ve said I don’t want kids and still feel this way and will probably not want kids for another 30-40 years etc… After moving back to my country the expectation for women (even in their 20s) to have kids as well as the misogynistic view points a lot of people have (not just about women but for men too…) was starting to rub me the wrong way, even my own parents who supported majority of my adult life decisions were starting to give me subliminal messages about having a “family.” I have no ill will towards those that have children or want them, in fact I’m very supportive (so long as it’s for the right reasons), and though I don’t have that strong “motherly instinct” I don’t mind helping my friends and family members who have kids. But it’s just not for me! Your videos brought back my confidence on this topic and I’m very grateful for that (it even helped me to reflect)🖤💜

[@tamiurquizo746]

I'm a mother to 3 healthy children. I started off young, and I had my first at 17 years old. I'm 31 now, and I remember when I was 17, I wanted to settle down. I felt the pressure of going to college, working, and partying. Blah blah blah, but all I wanted to do at that very moment, that season was to be a mom. I did not have the right person by my side, so it was not realistic to do so. Now I have the right person by my side, and I'm enjoying every bit of motherhood. I enjoy the park days, the early mornings, children's books, playdates, pancake days, and snuggles. I can't imagine a life of childfree because I was so young when I had my first. I don't regret it, though, because I get to see a part of me in my 13 year old. ❤❤❤❤

[@beatricefrask5230]

You were strong yo block societal pressures to go to college and party. I had my first one at 31, and when I tried for a second one, Mother nature said it was too late!

[@MelKayem]

What I didn't expect with my childfree life was the *hostility* from my family. They watched me avoid kids my age growing up, look disgusted when asked to babysit, and avoid anything remotely child oriented but somehow it wasn't until I turned 35 that they realised that maybe I wasn't going to change my mind. I love that you're opening this discourse, I feel that childfree voices often get drowned out by childless people.

[@horsetracker63]

Hi Jenny, I am perfectly content not having children. I'm a bit of an introvert and like my alone time. I have my dogs, cats and horses to keep me company.

[@Olfonia]

you mention so many valid points and i can relate to so many 😊 as a teacher, i feel i have about 100 part-time kids anyway and that responsibility can feel too much easily so i‘m happily child-free (though i‘m a cat mom) ❤ ps: something i‘d hate to have to do as a parent would be having to support consumerism even more. no thank you!

[@aureliahonegger9777]

So so true I feel 100% the same.

[@shannoncharron]

As a childfree woman in my 30s... Going back to my husbands home province for xmas (where we have 6 nieces and nephews who I like a lot) is stressful. It's so loud and I feel like I can never relax. I would much prefer to be at home with my dog and a hot cup of coffee and a warm blanket.

[@AnaGonzalezRivas]

Hi! I am 32 and I am child free, I have known since I was a kid too that I didn’t want kids, but sometimes the social pressure gets to me, so thank you for your video. I am not broken I just have chosen a different path.

[@Trees123-w3i]

I don’t think anyone should be a parent unless they have actively thought out the possibility of having a disabled child. If you feel uncomfortable as an adult around other adults with disabilities, you are not prepared for parenting. And if your next thought is “I’d rather not then”, then it’s ok to own it. Just now you know your next step in personal growth.

[@DearStephanieX]

You were the one of FIRST people I saw talking about this topic on this platform…and that was YEARS ago (before it was “trendy” to talk about). Thanks for giving me a different perspective all those years ago ❤

[@beautyandthesavage]

Always a neutral and beautiful perspective into this topic, Jenny. I also discovered at a very young age that I had 0 interest in becoming a mother. I did not choose it, it just was and still is the case. Love and hugs to all mothers out there, especially mine, who always respected my decision to not have children and supported me until her very last day.

[@teresafinoalchemy]

I'm a 64yo Nonna to a 2yo granddaughter (and mother to two adult children). Yes, it was tough while they were babies and growing up but it doesn't last forever. I've had an empty nest for 15 years and pretty much had, and continue to have, all the time in the world to focus on myself, my career, my passions and my travels. Age is just a number and I continue to think and behave in ways that are youthful, yet with the wisdom gained from life experience. I adore spending time with my adult children and being Nonna is a lot of fun!

[@surlespasdondine]

Seeing you lying down reading with a pile of books next to you - this reminds me so much of the position you find me in so often reading pretty much anywhere:) Only now I have my 9 year old lying down next to me reading her book and my 6 year old sitting down with something she's trying to decipher. They have seen me read so many books from an early age and it's great to now see my oldest spend hours with her nose in a book just like I have done from childhood.❣ I obviously get interrupted more often now but as they get older I get more reading time again (something for moms of younger kids to look forward to!)

[@AlexisBelon]

Wait I guess that would be a point to having children! Btw idk if you’re into nyc vlogs but if so, you might like mine. Swing by, take a peek and stick around if you like. I’d be sooo grateful. 🙏

[@anne-mariev.3295]

Thanks for this balanced, positive video. I’ve also enjoyed reading your Guardian article. I’m 39 and happily childfree. And indeed, people can’t believe me when I say my age. I respect people’s choice to have kids, but I do sometimes think there should be some form of licence to reproduce (maybe including a therapy) - bringing an additional human being in this world is a huge responsibility towards the child, and towards the planet and every single person this child will interact with. I also wanted to say that the way you describe your love for David took my breath away. It’s exactly how I feel about my husband - we’ve known each other for 23 years, married for 10, proud cat parents for 2. Finally, a cheeky note from me: I follow 2 Swedish KZbinrs (the other being Benita Larsson), and both of you are happy with simple, repetitive meals. I love you both, but hearing this makes me want to bang my head on a wall haha 🤪 I guess I’m too French to understand this concept, as food is a source of joy and excitement for me. Take care and thanks again for your great content.

[@lydiaponce8817]

I don't have any kids and I absolutely love it. No regrets.

[@lauraclarke445]

Thanks for the content, Jenny! I have always said it would be great to have 2 lives: one with children, one without. I am in my late 60's, married with children and grandchildren. Child raising did grow me up and was hugely challenging because both of my children are incredibly different. However, I did enjoy those years--and yes, Christmas was wonderful. ... My doc said recently that I am the "healthiest person she has seen all day." I work out, eat healthy meals, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30, only, read, write, paint, and play the guitar. My life is full. I have to add that grandchildren really do bring me amazing joy. ... My children are financially successful, and I have longevity in my genes. In closing, I feel fulfilled, content and blessed and do not regret having children. ... Keep up the great videos, Jenny!

[@chardalasimons1392]

I'm 37 and never had children. I'm single as well. But I am a teacher and I have 2 godchildren under 2. I love being involved in their lives and hanging with them. But I also like my independence to sleep in, travel and pursue goals.

[@maicagarcia9639]

I am 52 and childfree. Just as you It has Been a choice since ever. And now i feel so Good No regrets at all and feeling sad for some of my friends who seem to be in «jail » but they cannot say so to relatives bcause of the bad reactions 😔 Thanks for this kind of videos 🙏🏼

[@danielleribeiro7072]

Love it! Thanks! I'm 41, childfree and happy😁

[@shireenriazikermani1894]

Yes! I am 49 and am child free and never wanted children. It’s a choice I’ve protected and am so happy I did.