I’m a Proud Cat Lady Without Kids

As a 44-year-old child-free woman and certified cat lady, Christina Wyman’s decision to remain child-free is deeply rooted in her upbringing and personal experiences. Growing up in a home defined by chaos, emotional invalidation, substance misuse, and financial insecurity, Christina knew early on that she did not want a child of her own to inherit the legacy she had spent her life healing and extricating from. For her, remaining child-free was the wisest and kindest choice she could have made.

The way Christina grew up significantly contributed to her choice to remain child-free. Her parents shared stories of their own struggles to provide for their large families in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. These tales of financial hardship and scarcity during holidays and birthdays left a lasting impact on Christina. Her father’s reminiscences of shining shoes on street corners in Queens to help supplement income and her maternal grandfather’s stories of eating pigeons out of necessity painted a vivid picture of the financial struggles her family faced.

Christina’s family’s financial legacy played a significant role in shaping her desire—or lack thereof—to start a family of her own. From a young age, she began hoarding her allowance and lunch money, feeling like a millionaire with just a few crisp dollar bills. Even as an adult, Christina remains frugal with money and finds it challenging to indulge in treats or luxuries, given her family’s history of deprivation.

Despite common narratives that suggest there are limited valid reasons to remain child-free, Christina believes that any reason a person chooses not to have a child is a good one, as long as it’s their own. Life as a child-free person is not solely about hoarding money or indulging in fancy vacations; it’s about personal choice and autonomy. Christina challenges stereotypes about child-free women, emphasizing that her decision does not define her entire existence. While she may have cats and enjoy certain freedoms, her life’s work as an educator and children’s book author is dedicated to supporting children, families, and their well-being.

In her role as a writer for children, Christina contributes to society by creating stories that address important issues for children and their families. Despite not having children of her own, she remains an advocate for families and believes in the importance of supporting and nurturing the next generation. Christina hopes to change the narrative surrounding child-free women and celebrate the unique contributions they make to society. Children are valuable, as are cats, and the women who dedicate their lives to caring for both deserve recognition and respect.

In conclusion, Christina Wyman’s journey as a child-free woman and certified cat lady is a testament to the power of personal choice and the impact of upbringing on life decisions. Her story challenges stereotypes and highlights the diverse reasons why individuals may choose not to have children. Through her work and advocacy, Christina demonstrates that being child-free does not diminish one’s ability to contribute to the well-being of children and families. It is a personal choice that should be respected and celebrated for its individuality and significance.