Kidfree Reading

The concept of “choosing not to have children” continues to fascinate both the childed and unchilded. Even in this day and age of gay marriage, test-tube babies and “anything goes” values, I still get nervous laughs or looks of unease when I tell folks I’m writing a book called Kidfree & Lovin’ It. But these are soon followed by a barrage of questions about my “findings” on this group: “Are there any ‘truisms’ about childfrees?” “What is their main reason for not wanting kids?” “Is it true their marriages are happier?” and so on. Many agree there needs to be more literature on them/us, because choosing not to parent is an ever-growing trend in the U.S., Europe, and several countries around the world.

In addition to a few books on the subject, there are several interesting articles in print and online these days. It seems the Childfree Phenomenon is currently on the cusp of “still novel enough to pique society’s interest” and “becoming widespread enough to warrant examination.” Here are some articles and books that may be of interest to those who are “decidedly childfree” as well as to those who are “still on the fence.”

- Childfree Books -

Blindsided by a Diaper: Over 30 Men and Women Reveal How Parenthood Changes a Relationship (June 19, 2007)

by Dana Bedford Hilmer

Baby Proof

(2006) by Emily Giffin.

Fiction. A couple that - agreeing they don’t want to have children - marry, only to find one has a change of heart, and suddenly wants kids.

I Hate Other People’s Kids A harsh, but humorous look at why kids today are so nasty, by Adrianne Frost (2006)

Baby Not On Board:

A Celebration of Life Without Kids (2005)

by Jennifer L. Shawne

Childfree & Loving It

Explores the issues of being childfree through case examples in Great Britain and beyond.