The One Where I Talk To Retired Academic & Author, Helen Taylor

Send us Fan MailMy 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 Taylor04:51 Helen's Early Life and Decision07:26 Impact of Societal Expectations11:39 Contraception and Abortion19:05 Challenging Family Pressures27:51 Redefining Family and Friendships30:45 The Legacy of a ChildFree Life31:08 Exploring Fulfillment Without Children35:13 Regret and the ChildFree Choice37:33 Grandparenting and Childcare Challenges39:33 Writing 'Childless by Choice'40:56 Reactions to the Book52:28 Alternative Families and Friendships54:16 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook57:54 Wrapping Up and How to ConnectBuy Helen's Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Childless-Choice-Meaning-Legacy-Childfree/dp/1917523300Check out Helen's website: https://www.helen-taylor.co.uk/Support the showBuy my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/bookJoin my membership community for single women, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesoloDownload my FREE PDF 'Top 10 Comebacks for the MostAnnoying Questions Single Women Get Asked' Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/comebacksCheck out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=shareFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/Email me: [email protected] And thank you so much for listening!