Frankie Hockham

World Childless Week is a time to acknowledge the experiences, challenges, and unique perspectives of those who do not have children. For many, infertility or the choice to remain childless can feel isolating. In a world where parenthood is often celebrated as the pinnacle of a fulfilling life, it’s easy to feel hidden and alone when your life doesn’t follow that path. However, being childless does not mean living a life devoid of purpose, joy, or connection. In fact, for many, it can open doors to freedoms and opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise.

The Isolation of Infertility

Living with infertility can be an incredibly isolating experience. Society bombards us with images, stories, and expectations centred around family life. From baby showers to Mother’s Day celebrations, it can feel like the world is designed for those who have children. This constant reminder can make those who are childless, especially due to infertility, feel like outsiders. The silence around infertility often exacerbates these feelings, leaving many to struggle privately with their grief.

But what if the isolation we feel is, in part, a reflection of the narratives we’ve internalised? Growing up, especially as a woman, there’s often an unspoken expectation that motherhood is not just a possibility, but a destiny. In my own life, attending an all-girls school ingrained the idea that having children was an inevitable part of my future. It wasn’t until much later, and after years of fertility treatment and multiple miscarriages that I began to question whether I truly wanted children or if I simply believed I should want them.

The Unexpected Freedom of a Childless Life

As I’ve grown older and slowy come to peace with my childless future, I’ve come to appreciate the freedom that being childless affords me. My husband and I have built a life full of joy, adventure, and purpose—one that might not have been possible if we had children. We are parents in our own way, not to human children, but to two beloved Boston Terriers who bring us endless joy. Our time is our own, allowing us to pursue passions that might have otherwise taken a backseat.

Together, we run an astronomy charity in our spare time, inspiring thousands of children to look up at the night sky and dream. This work brings us immense fulfilment and allows us to touch the lives of young people in a meaningful way. It’s a reminder that parenthood is not the only path to influencing the next generation. Without the demands of raising our own children, we have the time and energy to contribute to our community in ways that might have been impossible otherwise.

Interestingly, my husband once pointed out that many of history’s most influential change-makers did not have children of their own. Figures like Florence Nightingale, Rosa Parks, Sally Ride, Helen Mirren, Dolly Parton, and Jane Austen dedicated their lives to pursuits that impacted countless people across the world. While their legacies may not include biological descendants, their contributions have shaped societies for generations. Perhaps those of us without children are, in some ways, more inclined to seek out opportunities to make a difference on a larger scale—focusing our energies outward rather than on immediate family.

The Lingering Challenges

Of course, this is not to say that the journey of being childless is without its struggles. There are still moments of pain and longing, especially during times like Mother’s Day or when friends reach milestones like becoming grandparents. These moments can be difficult, and it’s okay to acknowledge that pain. It’s also natural to worry about what the future might hold, especially as we grow older. The fear of being alone in old age is a common one, but it’s worth remembering that having children does not guarantee companionship or care in later years. Life is unpredictable, and there are no guarantees, regardless of the path we take.

Moreover, the societal focus on parenthood can sometimes make it difficult to feel fully seen and understood by others. Even well-meaning friends and family may unintentionally overlook the joys and challenges of a childless life, assuming that the absence of children equates to a lack of fulfilment. But our lives are rich with experiences, relationships, and contributions that are just as valuable as those of parents.

Reframing the Narrative

For those of us who are childless, whether by choice or circumstance, it’s important to reframe the narrative around what it means to live a meaningful life. Fulfilment does not come solely from raising children; it comes from living authentically, pursuing passions, and making a positive impact on the world around us. Our worth is not defined by whether we are parents, but by how we choose to engage with the life we have.

I’ve come to love the life my husband and I have built. We are free to travel, to spend time with friends and family, and to immerse ourselves in the things that bring us joy. We have the time and space to nurture our relationship, to explore new interests, and to invest in the people and causes that matter most to us. This is not a life of lack, but one of abundance—abundant love, abundant experiences, and abundant opportunities to make a difference.

Conclusion: Embracing Your Unique Path

World Childless Week is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of lives lived without children. Whether by choice or circumstance, being childless does not diminish our worth or the value of our contributions. We can find fulfilment in the freedom we have, the relationships we cultivate, and the ways we choose to give back to the world.

Yes, there are challenges, and there may always be moments of longing or doubt. But there is also beauty in embracing the life we have, in recognising the unique opportunities it offers, and in knowing that we are not alone on this journey. As we continue to challenge societal norms and celebrate the richness of childless lives, we can build a world where everyone’s story is valued and where all paths to fulfilment are honoured.

So, as we look up at the stars, perhaps we can take comfort in knowing that our light shines just as brightly, even if in a different way, contributing to the vast and beautiful tapestry of life.