Childfree Psychology-Related

Childfree=Narcissist? Authors of The Narcissism Epidemic Would Likely Disagree

Posted on by Laura

 

The Time article on “The Childfree Life” has generated a lot of digital buzz. Some of it  has brought back discussion on the myth that those who have no children by choice are selfish and self-absorbed. As this opinion piece says, the childfree life “serves as a prime example of the narcissism and selfishness that run rampant in today’s society.”

Would the authors of the nonfiction book The Narcissism Epidemic agree? Not likely… Continue reading “Childfree=Narcissist? Authors of The Narcissism Epidemic Would Likely Disagree” →

Laura Carroll, childfree by choice

A New Biological Clock App: The Wonder Clock

Posted on by Laura

Have you seen the new app called “The Wonder Clock”? When I read Emma Gray’s post on Huffpo about it, my first thought was – Excellent- Here is an example of how, unlike the myth of the biological “urge,” Continue reading “A New Biological Clock App: The Wonder Clock” →

Laura Carroll, Childfree Choice

Back to the Debate on Who’s Happiest – Parents or Non-Parents

Posted on by Laura

Here we go again. An article on USAToday.com, “Parents are happier than non-parents, studies suggest” talks about two new studies that involve data from thousands of adults around the globe.  Here is what researcher Chris Herbst of Arizona State University says is undeniable about the findings… Continue reading “Back to the Debate on Who’s Happiest – Parents or Non-Parents” →

Childfree Introverts, Extroverts, or Ambiverts?

Posted on by Laura

I continue to be curious about whether the childfree are more likely to be introverted. I posted on this topic awhile back with some interesting research on introverts, and more recently read Susan Cain’s excellent book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking looking for possible answers… Continue reading “Childfree Introverts, Extroverts, or Ambiverts?” →

What The Childfree & Living Solo Have in Common

Posted on by Laura

I recently saw a stat that surprised me in the TIME article,  “Living Alone is the New Norm.”  Latest 2011 U.S. Census data tell us that 28% of Americans live alone.  That number means they are now “tied with childless couples as the most prominent residential type.”  The meaning of “Childless” here includes … Continue reading “What The Childfree & Living Solo Have in Common” →

childfree

Think Parent/Childfree Friendships Can Have Their Challenges? Check Out Fertility Jealousy

Posted on by Laura

As many childfree and parents know,  there is an art to friendships where one person has children and the other does not-by choice.  These friendships all too often have their challenges.  But what about friendships in which one person is having no problem having kids, and the other … Continue reading “Think Parent/Childfree Friendships Can Have Their Challenges? Check Out Fertility Jealousy” →

Pondering Childfree Regret When Our Parents Are Gone

Posted on by Laura

A city-data forum recently had a thread started by a person who had suddenly lost both of her parents. She ponders regret for not having children in a way had not thought of before, and the 11 pages of comments are worth the read: Continue reading “Pondering Childfree Regret When Our Parents Are Gone” →

Laura Carroll, Childfree Choice

Gloucester-18 Documentary: Producer Interview Part II

Posted on by Laura

Continuing my interview with producer, Kristen Grieco Elworthy on the teen pregnancy story that made international headlines and is now a documentary:

Why did those who got pregnant want to get pregnant as a teen?

What was my own observation, as a woman about 10 years older than these girls who personally put college/career above having kids? I saw some level of girls who did not have an identity or maybe did not feel that they were “good” at anything, and motherhood was an answer for them. As women, we are told that we all have the capability to be a good mother. Imagine the draw of that… Continue reading “Gloucester-18 Documentary: Producer Interview Part II” →

Laura Carroll, Childfree Choice

Remember The Story About the Teens with the Pregnancy Pact? Now a Documentary

Posted on by Laura

Remember the story in the media about the “pregnancy pact” of the girls in Gloucester, Mass.? Well their story is told in a new documentary, The Gloucester-18. I had the pleasure of talking with its producer, Kristen Grieco Elworthy.  Here is Part I of my interview with her: Continue reading “Remember The Story About the Teens with the Pregnancy Pact? Now a Documentary” →

A Psychological Phenom for Happy Parents..and the Childfree?

Posted on by Laura

Wray Herbert, author of On Second Thought: Outsmarting Your Mind’s Hard-Wired Habits, has an interesting explanation why even though “study after study has shown that parents, compared to adults without kids experience lower emotional well-being, have unhappier marriages and suffer more from depression, that they insist that..a life without children is a life unfulfilled.” The phenom at work? Continue reading “A Psychological Phenom for Happy Parents..and the Childfree?” →