We all know about pronatalism because it surrounds us every day and is unavoidable in books, magazines, newspapers, advertising, television, films, social media, at work, on the radio, in politics and at the bus-stop.
Read moreChildless Not by Choice: We can all Make a Difference for Future Generations
I longed to be a parent: I had chosen their names, knew the stories I wanted to read to them, the beaches with the best rock pools to explore, the family traditions I was excited to share and the treasures in my house they would inherit; but I was denied that dream.
Read moreCovid, Cancer and Childlessness; The Silence and Solitude
The last two years have created difficulties for everyone, raised questions that often remain unanswered, created barriers where none existed before, broken friendships and understanding.
Read moreThe first ever World Childless Week People's Champion
I’m really excited to announce the first World Childless Week People’s Champion is…
Read moreHair Loss And Childlessness
I presently have a shaggy curly mop. I don’t actually know what to do with it having never had curly hair before. Some days I love it but there are moments when I find it frustrating and really hate the way it looks. It makes me mindful of the hair I have, and haven’t had, over the last eighteen months.
Read moreThe Beanie
I pick up the dove grey beanie, knitted during the UKs spring lockdown. It is soft and asking to be pressed against my cheek. A pattern of 13 circles, some intentionally incomplete, decorate the front of the hat from the edging band to the crown.
Read moreIs Today Significant?
Yippee, yahoo, wahoo – it’s New Year’s Eve and time to celebrate!?!
Did I need to do that, NO. Should I feel the need to do that, NO. So what if it is the New Year, it is just another day, pretty much the same as the last.
Read moreChildless Christmas
In a holiday centered on tradition the birth of a baby, or a miracle, it's easy to notice the gaps and who is missing from the table.
Read moreYou Never Spoke But I Heard You
I want to share something extremely special with you today. Something that shows not just the strength of sharing our words but the power and impact our words have.
Read moreDaughter's Day Origins
Apparently yesterday was 'daughter's day' in the US. Having done a quick Google (as you do) 'daughter's day' is celebrated in India tomorrow and also globally on the 28th September.
Read moreWhy I missed World Childless Week
Once Upon A Time... that sounds like the start of a fairy tale rather than reality but I can say (hand on heart) that I am looking for a “Happy Ever After” ending.
Stephanie Phillips (founder, World Childless Week)
Read more10 Things You Need to Know About Involuntary Childlessness
We love this article from Meriel, it’s one we all think should go viral and be part of all therapist training.
Read moreWhy Our Stories Matter by Kate Kaufmann
The stories we tell ourselves and others give form and meaning to our lives. Psychologists know that how we make sense of what happens to us determines our well-being and emotional fortitude.
Yet when our fertile years are packed with disappointment, indecision, and strife, it’s hard to make sense of what’s happening. Our life stories aren’t following their proscribed paths. We’re different than people who are having kids. And often very, very alone.
Read moreFather's Day by Stephanie Phillips
Yesterday when I was in the middle of organising a newsletter for World Childless Week it suddenly clicked that it was Father’s Day for many countries this coming weekend. I realised the importance of acknowledging this day and the range of emotions it can raise for any man who is childless not by choice. Having focused on the history of Mother’s Day earlier this year I decided to follow the same pattern and look into the history of Father’s Day.
Read moreTake a Dance with Me
On Saturday I cautiously tiptoed, in my comfy shoes, into The Barbican for There’s More to Life Than Children. I spotted and overheard two ladies who appeared to be going to the same event and decided to follow them as I had no idea where I was going.
Read moreComfy Shoes by Stephanie Phillips
If you’d said to me a few years ago that I would be looking forward and feeling excited about attending a day about being childless I’d have given you a really weird look. I’d have thought you were insane and would have probably told you so.
But it’s now bizarrely true !!
Read moreMothering Sunday by Stephanie Phillips
Where do I start? It is a day that can lead to a complexity of triggers. In reality it is not one day but several weeks of constant reminders. Commercialism has taken over and is out of control.
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