Times are changing today, and people are becoming more and more accepting of various lifestyles. I wanted to help those questioning the childfree choice by reading six books about being childfree and share them with you. In earlier times, being a woman and not wanting to have a child was almost hard to imagine. Saying that you do not wish to have a baby to someone else would get you various responses, but they would mostly be dismissive, or you will be deemed ridiculous for thinking so.
And even though society is becoming a tad bit more accepting now, the stigma around this decision has not entirely faded away. Some women find it hard to use the phrase “I don’t want to” and instead go with “I’m not sure yet.” But let’s not forget that the preference regarding having and raising a kid might vary from individual to individual. Whether someone wants to have a baby should only be made by the persons who give birth and/or raise that child.
Not everyone has the same priorities. Some may want to have a husband or a kid. Some might wish to have either or neither. Everyone has the freedom of choice to decide the path of their life, and being in the times we are now, it is time we start respecting that and normalizing the fact that it is not mandatory to have a child if someone is not ready for it or does not want it.
If you are one of those who aren’t sure about having a kid or you have decided that you don’t want one and are a bit unsure about how to feel about it, these six books are absolutely amazing and worth a read. Trust me! You won’t regret it.
Six Best Books For Those Who Want To Go Child Free
1. Child-Free Zone – Susan J. & David L. Moore
It is safe to say that a particular percentage of the entire global population will never be parents, and this trend of having fewer children or none at all is increasing exponentially. Things were different before, but now choosing not to have children has become a practical and amusing discussion. Reading this book will give you an overview of the issues that come with becoming a parent and the benefits of staying childfree. It gives you a 360-degree overall experience of the journey of choosing not to become a parent through the lens of those who have made the same decision and otherwise. This book may clear any doubts you have about the child-free journey as it provides clarity and support for those who are currently child-free and those who haven’t decided yet. (Child-Free Zone is available, here)
2. Childfree by Choice – Dr. Amy Blackstone
At some point or the other, almost every woman might have heard someone else’s concern about when they are going to have a baby. Well, author and professor, Dr. Amy Blackstone is no stranger to that. Blackstone is a professor of Sociology at the University of Maine. She studies childlessness and the childfree choice, workplace harassment, and civic engagement.
This book shows you evidence-based studies of people who have decided to live a child-free lifestyle. Her book is calming and provides many affirmations for those going through guilt trips after deciding to go childfree. This book has also shown how childfree adults are happy when they do not have kids in their lives. But it just does not talk about that.
Every stereotype is thoughtfully addressed with beautiful personal stories, making it even more relatable for like-minded people. It explains the social, cultural, and economic changes that come with this movement challenging childfree myths. At the end of the read, you can be sure that you’ll end up having a lot more information and references that you didn’t have before. (Childfree by Choice is available, here)
3. Selfish, Shallow, and Self-Absorbed – Meghan Daum
One of the most provocative and talked about books, this gorgeous collection explores one of society’s darkest taboos and in the best way possible. The woman fertility clock has been one of the most talked-about topics. There has been much discussion about how women can maintain a successful career while having kids at the proper time before their biological clocks stops ticking. However, times are changing today, and people wonder whether women must have it all or even want to.
Sixteen writers come together to talk about why they chose to dodge parenthood. One thing is for sure; you will get unique perspectives on the overwhelming pressure regarding being a parent. It shows why parenthood is not the only single path to become truly happy and have a productive life.
Some of the essays are moving, some are heart-touching, some offer a refreshing perspective, some are sad and heartbreaking, and some are humorous. This one will take you on a ride through various emotions and leave you satisfied and fulfilled in the end. (Selfish, Shallow, and Self-Absorbed is available, here)
4. The Childfree Society Club – Jaclyn Jaeger
Imagine deciding to be childfree and searching for company that will make you feel validated and respect your decision- this book does precisely that and much more. Best friends Samantha Duncan and Ellie Thomas develop the childfree society club, a social group to support childfree women and help them connect with like-minded individuals. What is even more beautiful than the intent behind this society is how the members become a support system for each other and lifelong friendships are formed.
The Childfree Society Club is about the lives of 5 women who come together to reveal the emotional and sometimes even slightly humorous experience of being a childfree woman in this world obsessed with kids. It has drama, emotions, and the perfect amount of humor, along with intense love and friendship.
It is spot-on in correcting many misconceptions people might have about this particular topic and will resonate well with many people. (The Childfree Society Club is available, here)
5. A Childfree Happily Ever After – Tanya Williams
This book talks about why more women choose not to become parents today and takes in-depth into every possible reason. Every factor is discussed, be it social, biological, or cultural, and in a tasteful way, which is why it has been relatable for many readers.
The book assesses how the minds of young girls are trained from a very young age that they are to become mothers during the later stage of their life. What does the biological ticking clock mean? What kind of social and cultural pressures is being faced by women when it comes to motherhood today? What do guys think about women who choose not to be a mother? How do you focus on yourself and what you want to be happy with?
These are some of the general questions we struggle with internally, yet hardly anyone talks about it. Reading this one will help you get a much better perspective which you might not have come across before. Sometimes you might be on the verge of deciding that you do not want a child, but you do not find the courage to step over the edge. This book will help you respond to your inner judgments and make the best decision for your peace and happiness. (A Childfree Happily Ever After is available, here)
6. Childfree Girls’ Comfort Food For Thought – Kristen Tsetsi
This is another excellent and comforting read (just like the name suggests!). This one comes with more than a hundred motivational, inspirational and stunning facts, thoughts, and stories that will fill you with warmth and happiness. Want some more motivation to read this book? This even contains some great memes to bring a smile to your face.
This book has made it to one of the spots on the list because it indeed delivers what it promises. With all the humor, emotions, inspiring thoughts, and warm stories, reading this does make you feel like you are having your favorite bowl of comfort food. Bonus? The phrase in the title “comfort food” is not just present there without opening anything. This one even comes with some yummy comfort food recipes that will make you excited to try them out! (Childfree Girls’ Comfort Food For Thought, is available, here)
Becoming parents or having kids of your own is not the only fulfilling experience you need in your life. Everybody has their preferences and needs, and while kids may be an essential factor for someone, it might not be the same for someone else. So instead of judging people and making them feel that their decision of going childfree is ridiculous, let’s concentrate on the fact that everyone has their definition of happiness and fulfillment, and it’s high time we start respecting that.
These six books are worth a read. If you have been confused about making this decision or want some more information about it, each of these will guide you to decide what and who will be a part of your fulfilling life.
Happy reading!
Please note that affiliate links are used above.
[…] Books On Living Childfree, here: […]