It is not okay to guilt people into having children ever. Under no circumstance is it acceptable to make a person feel like a lesser person for having no children, a lot of children, a few children, or in my case… one child.
One, single child.
One amazing, beautiful child.
He is not “just one.” He is not EVER to have the describing characteristic of being one of those only children.
He is our one and only. Our entire world, in one tiny human.
Making the decision to have children is very personal. Perhaps the most personal decision you will ever make as a couple. To anyone that elects to have no children, I commend you on fully knowing what you want in life.
My husband and I decided to start trying to have a baby a few years back. I hoped that I would have a few months to ease into the idea of possibly being a mother, but was in no way prepared for the year and a half it took us to actually get pregnant. It wasn’t easy. (You can read more about my infertility struggle here.) I was in denial that we might not have children. I didn’t want to see doctors, and flat out didn’t want to deal with the fact that we might need some intervention (thankfully, though we waited some time, we ended up pregnant on Vitex.)
Those that knew we had been trying to get pregnant were few. The pressure to have a child when people know you are trying to get pregnant only increases the stress (at least it did for me.) Month after month of saying “no, not yet” really wears on you. And the people that say things like “just relax and it’ll happen” or “it’ll happen when it’s supposed to”… not helpful. Actually really frustrating. Just remember, you don’t know who is fighting a silent battle– who is trying to get pregnant, who is unable to get pregnant, who has lost angel babies. You don’t know.
So, assuming to understand an individual’s reproductive abilities or personal choices is something that has to stop. It has to. I’m guilty– and as much as we struggled, I’ve definitely asked friends if they think children are in their future. I try hard not to now, because I know how painful the question can be.
So there’s a high probability that my husband and I are one and done. Both by choice, and by reproductive ability. Why?
- We know that we can financially provide for our one child. The rising cost of health care, education, housing, food, etc. is sometimes difficult to stomach. I want to leave him better off– not just financially, but with more opportunity. I don’t plan on having a spoiled single child, but I do fully plan on giving him every opportunity I can.
- We had a hard time having one child. I’m content with one. More than content, I’m beaming that we have a healthy child. So, I’d prefer not to think we might be able to have a second to only be disappointed and unable.
- I’m not worried about my son’s social ability as a single child. He has cousins close in age, and we fully plan on giving him plenty of social opportunities.
- We had a very difficult labor and delivery. My son had his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, and we are lucky he is here. You can read about that story here. My postpartum weeks were also marked with some post partum blues (those hormones… whoosh!)
Things that people with single children don’t want to hear?
- Aren’t you afraid of him being alone when you and your husband pass away some day? Answer: No. Having siblings doesn’t mean you will be close with your siblings. Financially? I hope to plan for any financial situation so that he isn’t left with all kinds of loose ends to tie up. I know that he’ll have other family, friends, and hopefully a family of his own someday.
- Won’t he be spoiled? Answer: I plan on teaching him the value of a dollar and how to work hard for what he wants. That being said, money can buy opportunity, and if I can help him here and there with things such as schooling, I will.
- THE WORST: What if your child passes away? Then you have no children. Answer: This question is ridiculous, so please don’t ever ask it. Having other children doesn’t mean you won’t miss your child that has passed away just as much. It doesn’t. You don’t have children to be “backup children” in case something happens. I treasure each day with my son, and that will never change.
So here’s the thing: treat everyone as if you don’t know what their story is. Just simply not asking unless the person on the receiving end brings it up or wants to talk about it. Listen to them. Try to be understanding. Step into their shoes. Children are a beautiful, amazing gift. Children aren’t for everyone. And, children aren’t always easy to have. Simple understanding can bring us a long way.
-Katie
So true. I found that as soon as I was married people kept saying ‘it’s time for kids now ‘ they thought I was weird I waited 10 years. And then ad soon as I has one ‘ ah you need to give them a brother or sister ‘ Where does a total stager feel the need to come up and give you advice like that ?
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Thanks for reading Denise! Strangers are usually the ones with the most to say, it seems! I’ve had people approach me in stores just to make comments like “when is baby 2?”
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Beautifully thoughtful, honest, and great advice for anyone no matter what their situation. EXCELLENT post.
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Thank you for reading!
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Great post! Everything you said is so very, very true. But I’m a bit shocked at anyone asking what if your child passes away, I mean that’s just a horrendous thing to even think about!
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I agree!! So crazy. I realize that sometimes people are just trying to make conversation and say the wrong thing, but sometimes I’m just shocked!
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This is such a thoughtful, honest post. I agree with you entirely. Sometimes people just need to listen rather than always offer ‘advice’. X
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Thank you for reading! Listening is so important!
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Agreed. I have 4 kids. 4 girls. Well 6 girls with a combined family. I still get the “you need to try for a boy” comments. As I get older I see the struggles that my friends at the age of 34..35…36 trying to have babies but can’t. With me not having that problem its hard to see from the other side. I used to be that person above always jokingly asking those questions….minus the morbid death questions. However, I do understand now that these are sensitive ticket items and don’t mention that. Not everyone wants kids. Not everyone can have kids. Great post! =)
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Thank you for reading!
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