Wow, Sandy! Thank you so much for your vulnerability and honesty! There are two reasons why I purposely subject myself to criticism when voicing my opinions on certain topics related to motherhood, parenting, and childfree living.

One, both women and men need to know they have options (especially women). I have asked young ladies why they want to be mothers and most of them have absolutely no idea. They think it is some fantasy world where they are loved unconditionally by children and they enjoy a kept life with a loving husband in tow. This is not the reality many women are living.

And finally, I am sick of how ostracized parents are when they tell the truth about how they regret having kids, how they despise their kids, or even how they love their kids but they miss their childless lifestyle. These feelings are absolutely valid and they need to be expressed. It is sad that the only safe spaces for parents to vent are within select groups where they are anonymous. Some parents think their kids cannot handle the truth, but they can. My mother was honest about her struggles with raising two kids when she wanted to spend her time and money doing something else. And I'm just fine.

Anyway, thank you again for your comment, which inspired me to go harder for the freedom of everyone, including parents.