Equating parenthood and empathy makes for a good sound bite, which is why politicians and other public figures return to it so often.  It is vaguely comforting fluff that they (the Speaker from here on) think makes them sound like a better, and more trustworthy person. But there are just so many things wrong with that six-word phrase.  Let’s start with empathy itself.

I often wonder why some people with children feel the need to state “as a parent…” before everything they say? It does not increase their importance or add gravitas to their message. I still hear what they have to say but their opinions are no more or no less than anyone else.

Sometimes comments hurt. Sometimes comments are stupid. And sometimes, road signs are stupid.

My loving is fierce and gentle and compassionate…

It hurt when a woman at a fertility clinic trying for her second child said, “If you want a baby enough it will happen.”

I’ve come a long way since I became a woman without children. The path from mother-in-waiting to where I am today has taken me through more twists and turns than the most spine-chilling rollercoaster.