About this Blog

After banging my head in frustration over the obsession everyone around me had with procreation, I went online to find a community of people who were more like me. I have met some fascinating people along the way, but I have also found that many in the childfree community are quite hostile toward Christianity and a Christian world view. I understand that, unfortunately, many of my Christian sisters and brothers have given them a lot of ammunition (undoubtedly, I have been guilty of this at times too). Not wanting to be perceived as "trolling" for expressing my Christian perspective on other people's forums and blogs, I use my own blog to share my musings on childfree life while at the same time expressing my faith.

My intention is to show support to childfree people, both Christian and non-Christian, but from my own Christian perspective. Questions and constructive comments are welcome; negativity and intolerance are not.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Childfree Confessions, #5 (the kid I do like)

There is actually one child I like, a 5-year-old whom I’ll call Anna. In fact, I spoke about her in a previous post: my friend’s child who is demanding and self-centered.

Ay carumba, is that girl a pistol! But for some reason, she and I have always had a connection. Perhaps it is because her mother and I were so close when Anna was born. Perhaps it is because she was one of the rare children about whom I could honestly say, “Oh, what a pretty baby.” Or perhaps it is because she is exceptionally intelligent. When she was between 2 and 3 years old, I recall being able to have a unexpectedly rational conversation with her. As she has grown and her communication skills have increased, I have found that she and I have many common interests such as reptiles, cats, insects, and anything science. On several occasions, I have been in stores that sell educational toys, and I always find things that I know Anna and I would love -- a terrarium in which to cultivate carnivorous plants, an ant farm, a kit for growing crystals.

Recently my friend noted in her facebook status that she was taking pictures of Anna’s preschool artwork. I commented, “Are you going to post them for us?” What? Did I just type that? Did I just express a genuine interest in some kid’s preschool artwork? Why, yes, I did. And when the work was posted, I looked through the album and made comments. “Tell Anna that I enjoyed looking at her pictures,” I added. (This gives me some hope that if my siblings ever have children, I can at least be a decent aunt. I have often worried about that, and I dread the day that my brother or sister calls me with the news.)

Even so, as much as I enjoy my occasional visits with Anna and express an interest in her life, I surely would not want to be her mother! Bless my friend for her patience.

1 comment:

  1. I actually enjoy the "aunt role" myself. I beleive one can say I am the weird, funny and crazy aunt. ;-)

    I am not afraid of being childish, and sometimes I might discover and learn new things together with children too. I used to be working in quite some kindergardens, and I enjoy(ed) this type of work a lot. I am not the type of person to just stand watching the children play, I like to jump into games as well as playing freely together with them. I of course might have my bad days or headaches where I prefer abstaining from any playing or too much activity, but when I am fully myself, I love to take part in "fun activities". ;-)

    Perhaps this is some of the reasons for why a lot of people might wonder why I have chosen to not wanting to having any children of my own, since I don't mind interacting with children. But there is a huge difference between taking care of other people's children and to be having children of your own. So as I said earlier; Being an aunt is not so bad. You chose how much you wish to interact with your nephews/nieces, as well as you can easily do much of the same as what grandparents does; Spoil them lots! ;-)(or treat them the way you feel the most comfortable)



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