Childless Living offers an insightful exploration into the self-fulfilling lives of individuals who, by chance or choice, do not have children. This enlightening book delves into the myriad life choices people make regarding parenthood and unveils alternate ways to find purpose in life.

Based on a comprehensive global survey and over 50 in-depth interviews with childless and childfree individuals aged 19 to 91 from diverse cultures and backgrounds, the book provides readers with a broader context to understand the growing trend of leading a self-fulfilling, childless life.

In many countries, choosing not to have children is becoming more common, and this book discusses topics often left unspoken—how people without children spend their time and money, and most importantly, how they find purpose and fulfillment in their lives.

Author Lisette Schuitemaker, who herself was never drawn to family life, shares intimate conversations and surprising insights from her interviews with non-parenting individuals worldwide. From exhilarating to painful stories, these narratives reveal that choosing not to start a family is a valid and fulfilling path.

This book is a must-read for anyone who has not taken the path of parenthood, those with close family or friends leading self-directed lives without offspring, and anyone contemplating this essential life choice. It celebrates both the joys of parenting and the bravery of those following the lesser-known path of non-parenting.

Are you having trouble deciding whether or not to become a parent? Are you under pressure from family and friends? Unsettled by feelings of guilt or ambivalence? Unsure whether you will regret your decision in later years?

The Baby Decision offers a clear path to finding the answers to all of these questions.

Now you can get off the fence and get on with your life. Imagine your relief when you discover the right choice and break free from obsession. Picture yourself enjoying the pleasures of parenthood or the freedom and spontaneity of living childfree.

The Baby Decision is a powerful, unbiased guidebook by a professional coach/psychotherapist who has specialized in the topic for forty years.

With wisdom, depth, and humor, Merle will help you take this overwhelming decision and break it down into a digestible sequence of five steps.

During this discovery process you will:
- Dissolve fear and doubt.
- Use thirty visualization exercises and thought experiments to uncover your answer.
- Have deep talks with your partner, even if you disagree.
- Resist pressures from family and friends, and fully consider the rewards of the childfree choice.
- Learn the latest on one-child families, single, LGBTQI+ and older parents, fertility and adoption.
- Steal a few benefits from the opposite choice.

Merle Bombardieri, MSW, LICSW is a psychotherapist, coach, and workshop leader. Although she enjoyed raising her daughters, she has been a childfree advocate since 1978.

Discover your personal answer to the baby question.

After years of soul-searching, Jeanne Safer made the conscious decision not to have children. In this book, Safer and women across the country share insights that dispel the myth of childless women as emotionally barren or incomplete, and encourage all women to honestly confront their needs—whether they choose motherhood or not.