I was raised by a woman who once told me that she purchased our family home for one important reason: The real estate agent told her there were plenty of babysitters around. My mother practiced a form of what some might consider “hands off” parenting. Most of the time, I was a free-range kid. I…
Category: Part V: Childfree
Cup of Coffee Sparks Childfree Thoughts
My friend and I sat across from each other at a small café, lattes within arm’s reach. Our conversation was a hushed and emotional one. She had just confessed her overwhelming fear that she would never have children. Her worry stemmed from the fact that she started dating later in life, and had only recently…
The Inquisition
“Do you have kids?” The beach bar at our little hotel was offering a happy hour and a result, of course, the cozy bar was very, very full. My neighbor to the left leaned in closer, eyes squinty from an hour or so of two-for-one margaritas, and repeated the question. “So, do you have kids?” “No”,…
The Very Hungry Entourage 