Let’s set the record straight, folks. Not everyone who hasn’t joined the ‘Parent Club’ is on the same team. ‘Childless’ and ‘childfree’ might sound like the ‘Judwaa’ twins – similar on the surface – but dig deeper, and you’ll find they are different, each with their own unique stories, aspirations, and most crucially, views on the big, frightening ‘P’ – Parenthood. It’s time we do justice to the terms ‘childless’ and ‘childfree’. Let the Charcha begin!
THE CHILDLESS
‘Childless’, this term isn’t about making a choice; it’s about being dealt a hand by life. Picture this – individuals with hearts brimming with love, ready to be showered on mini versions of themselves, but destiny, like an Indian soap opera villain, has other plans. They might be tackling health battles fiercer than Durga’s with Mahishasura, navigating the labyrinthine quest for their Bollywood-esque soulmate, or dealing with various other snags on their F1 track to Babyland.
It’s like they’ve signed up for the Superheroes League, psyched up for the adrenaline-rushing adventure of midnight lullabies, surprise diaper disasters, defusing tantrum bombs, and racing against time on school mornings. They’ve mentally geared up to exchange their peaceful morning chai for formula milk bottles and their spontaneous Goa trips for pediatrician visits. But alas, their superhero kit, decked out with the ‘super-parent’ cape, is yet to be delivered.
Now, while they’re caught up in this waiting game, their hearts are playing an endless loop of lullabies, their minds are busy creating mental scrapbooks of first steps and first words, and their dreams are filled with crayon scribbles on the walls and living rooms scattered with toys… But the echoes of these dreams are yet to find a home in reality.
These are the folks we call ‘childless’ – willing and ready to step onto the rollercoaster ride of parenthood, but life keeps delaying the ride. It’s like standing in a never-ending queue much like the ones at SBI bank, waiting for their number to finally come up.
THE CHILDFREE
Then we roll out the red carpet for the ‘childfree’ gang. They’ve caught sight of the superhero costume, given it a polite nod from a safe distance, and then firmly said, “we’ll pass!” They’ve decided not to add ‘Mom’ or ‘Dad’ to their collection of life roles. Their reasons are as colourful as a Holi party – career ambitions, environment-conscious decisions, financial pragmatism, or just the sheer love of uninterrupted Netflix binges and peaceful beauty sleep.
Now, let me sprinkle some gyaan on this khichdi – when someone casually mentions they don’t have kids, squash the itch to blurt out an assumptive “Beta, don’t worry, your time will come!” or “May you be blessed with a cricket team!” Not everyone is in the queue for the superhero costume!
Why so much halla bol about two different townships in the no-kids country, you ask? Well, picture yourself as an accomplished sitar player, but the world keeps introducing you as a tabla virtuoso. Annoying, right? The ‘childless’ and ‘childfree’ need the same recognition, like ghee and sugar in your favourite halwa – both essential, both distinct.
For the ‘childless’ clan, the absence of kids can feel as bitter as munching on a karela. Society often drenches them in the monsoon of sympathy, since the journey to Parenthood Junction is considered the ‘default life route’ for grown-ups.
Meanwhile, those perched proudly in the child-free treehouse are often found doing the Bhangra in joy. However, society can’t help but gaze up at them, sometimes with a puzzled look, sometimes with a judgmental squint. After all, why would anyone turn down a lifetime membership to the club of soiled diapers, Legos, and infinite parent-teacher meetings?
What we truly need is a refreshing new script, one that acknowledges and cherishes both the ‘childless’ and the ‘childfree’, like a plate of samosas and jalebis – both delicious, both unique. They’re different, and for some no kids, it’s fantastic!
It’s high time we untie the knots of rigid societal norms. Let’s celebrate people for what they are – globe trotters, fur baby parents, enthusiastic professionals, and, of course, that cheerful uncle next door who always greets you with a smile!
Lastly, let’s debunk the mythical notion that ‘childfree’ or ‘childless’ equals ‘loveless.’ Newsflash: love isn’t a dish served exclusively at the Parents’ Restaurant! The ‘childfree’ and ‘childless’ often spread their love generously be it through mentoring, volunteering, or even lending an empathetic ear to a friend’s dukh bhari kahani!
So, it’s a wrap, folks! ‘Childfree’ and ‘childless’ might sound similar, but they’re as diverse as sunrise and sunset. Let’s appreciate these differences, and aim for a society that’s more understanding, more accepting!
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