Parenting isn't Always the Default, Child Free Life | Paulette Erato

Jozlyn, Gaby, Angela, and Lloyd chat with the host of La Vida Mas Chevere Podcast, Paulette Erato, and discuss the childfree experience. As per Paulette, being childfree is the least interesting thing about her. But it is a core identity. And finding other childfree Latinas or Latines like her hasn’t always been easy. They are routinely slandered and made to believe there’s something wrong with them for not wanting to have children.
Refusing to conform to societal norms puts them at odds with their culture. But also knowing that bearing and raising children is not meant for them is a massive measure of self-awareness, boundaries, and frankly, peak adulting. So while she thinks being childfree is as natural for her as having curly hair, brown eyes, and being right-handed, She tries to make sure that part of her is visible. If only so that other childfree Latines looking for examples of a thriving life outside society’s expectations can use her as a model.

Many believe that having a baby is a woman's most important achievement and society places a great deal of pressure on women to become mothers. People always seem to frown upon those who are not following the "standard protocol" of getting married in their young adult years, having a couple of kids and then growing old and retiring.

Great news! Women can have fulfilling lives without children! We unpack a lot during this episode but this is a very important conversation that needs to be had.