(Me & Kristen on the far right)
My friend Kristen graduated from the College of Education with me in May! Although she's actually completed her student teaching & I'm just starting mine! Either way, she shared some of her recent thoughts with me on motherhood & the future & I thought it was interesting to hear her perspective! I decided to share some of her writing as a guest post on my blog! She's also writing for a local website! Check out some more of her stuff & maybe share your thoughts on her perspective below!
The mere thought of getting married and starting a family is terrifying. That probably has a lot to do with the fact that I’m still figuring out my life, so maybe I’ll feel better about all this in a few years. I’m only 22! That’s young, right? Please don’t tell my Mom, but I’m not even 100% sure I want to have kids. Admitting that makes me feel extremely guilty. It is 2010, I shouldn’t feel guilty about that! Did the feminist movement overlook me somehow? Or did I overlook the feminist movement?
Babies are adorable. Isis is simply the cutest thing ever. But if I had one of my own, I really don’t think I would know what to do with it. As a young woman, I’m embarrassed to admit that I have never changed a baby’s diaper. I swear every girl I talk to knows how to take care of a baby. Was there a class in high school I was never told about? My guidance counselor must have missed that one. Now I’m doomed to forever be that girl who doesn’t know what to do with a baby.
Strangely enough, after reading Cameron’s blog, I have decided that I would like a drug free labor and I would like to use cloth diapers. Don’t ask me why I’ve decided these things before I’ve even decided to have children, maybe Cameron is just very persuasive. My choice of a drug free labor has a lot to do with the fact that I’m pretty horrified of needles. I will do anything to avoid that epidural needle. Using cloth diapers just makes sense to me. It’s economical and environmentally friendly.
Is there anyone out there who once felt the same way I do?
Comments
I never babysat. I never really wanted to.
I always knew I wanted kids, though - so I guess that's a bit different. But I waited a while to get started - I had my first at 32. I know many people have children much younger and that it's the right choice for them. It wasn't the right choice for me. I couldn't have imagined having a child at 22. My 20s were my selfish, all about me decade. I focussed on career, I travelled, I lived alone for a while, I went to grad school ... I met my hubby at 25 and neither of us were in any rush to get into family mode, so we didn't tie the not until we were 31. And still we were the first among our close friends to have a child! So probably different from what you are experiencing.
I'm good with where I am now. And I was good with where I was then. I figure go with your gut and do what feels right for you.
As for cloth diapers - they rock. As for natural birth - I had the same plan until I was actually in labour and caved. So huge props to those who can do it, but I figure be open to changing your plans.