The One Where I Talk To Retired Academic & Author, Helen Taylor
Thrive Solo
How Did Your Mother Influence Your Decision?
Lucy asks about Helen's mother; Helen describes her mother's hardship and repeated advice not to have children.
My guest on the podcast today is the wonderful Helen Taylor.
Helen is 77 years old, a retired academic, and the author of Childless By Choice: The Meaning & Legacy Of A Childfree Life. It was absolutely fascinating to talk to a woman who went against the grain at a time when motherhood was not only expected, but really was seen as totally central to the lives of women.
From a very young age, Helen decided not to have children, and in her new book she shares her reasons for choosing to remain childfree as well as the very complex feelings that have accompanied her choice. In our conversation, Helen tells me all about how her own mother’s attitude towards motherhood impacted her choice to not have kids; we also talk about the issue of regret, we talk about how women without kids are still often seen as outliers, we talk about how families can come in all shapes and sizes, and Helen also shares her thoughts about the later stages of a child-free life.
02:15 Guest Introduction: Helen Taylor
04:51 Helen's Early Life and Decision
07:26 Impact of Societal Expectations
11:39 Contraception and Abortion
19:05 Challenging Family Pressures
27:51 Redefining Family and Friendships
30:45 The Legacy of a ChildFree Life
31:08 Exploring Fulfillment Without Children
35:13 Regret and the ChildFree Choice
37:33 Grandparenting and Childcare Challenges
39:33 Writing 'Childless by Choice'
40:56 Reactions to the Book
52:28 Alternative Families and Friendships
54:16 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook
57:54 Wrapping Up and How to Connect
Buy Helen's Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Childless-Choice-Meaning-Legacy-Childfree/dp/1917523300
Check out Helen's website: https://www.helen-taylor.co.uk/
- Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book
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And thank you so much for listening!
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