This Is A Conversation Every Woman Needs to Hear | Women of Impact Panel

I have a career, but I don’t really care about it...but I’ve never wanted kids either (and I’m almost 45). I want to live simply and just help animals.

It is hard enough to be a woman in this world, we shouldn't judge one another but be supportive sisters for each other. ❤️❤️❤️

I heard an interesting perspective once that said wanting to become a parent was a selfish choice. It is because it is in fact a choice of what you want out of your life not what you need. You WANT to have a child, to be a Mom, to be a Dad...to pass on YOUR lineage and ideas and to leave YOUR legacy. That in itself is actually a selfish motivation. Yet, it is the childless and childfree people of the world who are judged...go figure! My perspective? If someone wants to have kids, fine. If someone doesn't want kids, fine. If you wanted them but it just wasn't in the cards for you, fine. People need to take their nose out of other people's lives and focus on their own situations.

I never wanted children, but I got pregnant when I lost my virginity. I love my son, but being a mother is not the best thing in my life. I'm actually rather thrilled that he is 18 and ready to be a real adult. It's a hard life being a "good mom" and I don't know that I ever got the hang of it. I don't resent my son, but there are moments when I wonder what life would've been like without him. This was a great discussion. Thank you all for sharing.

I always say that women don't share their true stories enough. We are all out here struggling with our decisions one way or another daily. So kudo for speaking out on this topic.

I’m a full time nanny who loves kids,but doesn’t want her own.Its a tough job,it’s non-stop pretty much and the guilt I feel when I don’t do the right thing with the kids it’s torturous.They are NOT even my kids,but I’m the kind of person who has very high standards when it comes to raising kids.Anyone can have them,but not many know how to raise them properly.I appreciate Sanja for outsourcing the housework and focusing on quality time.My mom chose a clean house and meals from scratch over spending time with me like playing.People complain kids nowadays grow with iPads.Well, I watched TV for hours and no one thought that’s not healthy.Lisa,thank you and Tom for being so inspiring ❤️

As a woman of mid age with no children, I can truly say in extremely happy I never did. It wasn’t meant to happen with the people I was with thank the Lord. I chose not to to not potentially pass on my visual impairment originally but as I got older and was a step mom I’m good. I look forward to continuing to do the things that make me absolutely happy. Judgement is others problem not mine.

My parents never enjoyed day to day life, we rarely did anything fun & spontaneous, they worked 7 days a week to accommodate my needs and provide for my education abroad. I really appreciate it as an adult, as they worked extremely hard but this put me off from having kids for good. I studied superhard and tried my best, I have a demanding career now which does matter to me but I just want to enjoy my life outside of work, travel and spend my money on me. The pressure and anxiety they put on themselves was just crazy.

I live my life for me. Not other people. Probably one of my BEST discoveries of 2020. If people can’t support my journey and my decisions and what’s best for me, then they don’t deserve to be in my life. I’m more than willing to support others on their journey, but if they look down on my life because it’s not the same as theirs (which is usually just pure jealousy and narcissistic tendencies - don’t need that in my life!), I’m not here for it. I’m worth more than that. I’m worthy of loving relationships.

I don’t mean this arrogantly at all but I never wanted kids and Im very sure about it. Im fine with being alone at the end of my days. I’ll figure it out.

Here i am 26, working 80%, so not a career woman and i dont want children. I just want to enjoy life!

I’m from Zimbabwe, I know the struggle of not affording to pay $10 for school fees. I want to adopt as many as I can to educate who can not afford in Zimbabwe.

I've never really wanted them. When men stopped being providers and expected us to bring in half the takings it's turned into a total scam.

It is fine to not want children. I am 43 and married to a wonderful guy and no kids. I initially wanted them when I was younger...but it was more to fit in with the "mother club" and to make my mother and father happy. It is strange though for women...we are told, "don't get pregnant...don't get pregnant..." then quickly told, "Hurry up and get pregnant....clock is ticking." Really!?! So we have to have the college experience, career, then find the man, get the babies, and do all of it?! Well I guess I failed in more ways than one.

I just never had mothers instinct in me because I never liked kids. Maybe it would change if I meet the right person, but unfortunately I do not have much time. So, I leave it to the universe and seriously I do not care what people think about me not having kids. There are other things in life that makes me happy.

Thank you, very interesting subject! I completely respect your choices and I’m sorry I made you feel the way you did when telling you that I wanted grandchildren. I only want you to be happy - that is all I ever wanted, and I see that you are my beautiful butterfly. Love you

Wow, I did not expect to be crying right now. This conversation is raw and true and I love all the strong female energy here. I need to manifest having a group of empowering friends. We can all grow so much from these conversations. Thank u ladies♥️

This is so interesting. My mother wasn’t happy just being a mother. She always chose her job(s) and her social life over the kids. She wasn’t around when we needed her. I’ve struggled with identity throughout my adult life so much because the expectation in my family was to have a career and all I wanted was to be a mother. As a child I loved plying house with my dolls, cooking and taking care of a family. But I went into architecture and design and was miserable. When I became a mom I knew I wanted to stay home and I have been a stay at home mom ever since. I still struggle with shame over it.

Wow! This conversation is so needed. I was just speaking on the same topic, how women are expected to be everything and do everything. There's so much expectation on women, from adolescence to adulthood. There's a double standard - boys are loved, girls are raised. But I absolutely love the raw transparency in this convo and speaking so much truth that so many of us can relate to. Bravo ladies.

This was so raw and real thank you! I’m 28 and have always since I was 12 yrs old I decided I don’t want children bc of hormonal and other health issues. My doctor told me they would be so severe that I would not be able to have children. So for a couple of years I just thought it’s better just to not have any because I didn’t want to be disappointed in the case I ever wanted some. As the years went by and as I kept trying to live life and to take care of my health, go to school, work, help out at home, I realized it’s already hard enough to try to take care of myself. So I became more firm on the idea of not having children because I felt it was not fair to me and those around me to not be as healthy or the best version that I could be. My family and family members always told me you’re going to change your mind but they did not live my life, we’re not in my body suffering so they did not see things from my point of view. For me and my personal journey I have not been able to enjoy my life in the way that I want because it’s always been my responsibilities first, my family and it’s never really been for me. So I always think how can I be a little person’s world if I don’t feel like I can give them everything and guide them because the world is hard. I’m one of those people Who wants to give 100% to a relationship or interaction that I have and I know that I personally cannot do that for a child if I have not felt that for myself. I have not given myself 100%. Even some friends today think that it is selfish of me to not have children. What they do not see is that I wish to be able to help many children around the world, help teens, help students who may be struggling with their health. So they may not understand that I am helping children just in my own way. Thank you Lisa for having this interview and thank you to the ladies in this panel for their honesty🧡