11 Comments
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Eileen Dougharty's avatar

I love this! It's not only the least interesting part of me, it's not worth discussion. I now disengage when people make a fuss over my reproductive situation. They are not my people.

I love seeing your beaming smile. Zoë & James seem like excellent humans. ❤️

Mina's avatar

I concur! The least interesting thing about me is that I’m child free. I often see news headlines and people are referred to as mothers, fathers, grandmother, grandfather and I find it rather annoying and antiquated. Yet it’s persistent. It’s as if other people don’t exist.

Katherine Baldwin's avatar

This is a wonderful article, Jody. And I can very much relate to looking for ways to heal the pain of my childhood and thinking that having a child would do that, take away the emptiness, give me a sense of belonging. If I'd have had a child, I think I would have been shocked to realise that it didn't take away the emptiness at all. That has been an inside job and remains a work in progress. Thanks for all your pioneering work.

Susan Harley's avatar

Love this and the fact I had one child who is nearly 50 now, is the least interesting thing about me .

Courageous post, thanks Jody x

Jody Day's avatar

Thank you Susan, and thank you for your interestingness in the world too! I'm curious, what do you think is 'courageous' about this post?

Susan Harley's avatar

The title , Jody as it could challenge those with children .

Jody Day's avatar

Fascinating... I'd love to understand more, as the essay and title are not about parenthood. Did the title/content challenge you as a mother in some way? (Your comment suggests not). Also, if it does indeed perhaps challenge those without children, why is that necessarily problematic?

Susan Harley's avatar

Also meant to say what a stunning view you have from your house .x

Jody Day's avatar

Thank you! It's very wild and wooly out there right now! x

Ali Hall's avatar

I so love this. And your words about not having children being the least interesting thing about you have been circling my mind since I read them. All too often our label of “not mother” obscures the delights and intrigues of who who we are 😀

Jody Day's avatar

We are all more than our reproductive identity! I wish the labels weren't necessary, but we need them to find each other. When our reproductive identity becomes less remarkable, we won't need the labels anymore. I love 'delights and intrigues' and I'm looking forward to learning more about yours when your We Are Childfree interview goes live! x