The Project tonight covered a topic rarely spoken about publicly: mothers who regret having children.
Following an online appeal, the Channel 10 program said it had been “overwhelmed” with stories from women who said that, while they loved their children, they also felt as if they’d made a mistake by bringing them into the world.
As mother of two Renee told the program, “I do not resent my child, but I do I resent that having a child did essentially trap me… I’ve never experienced what it’s like to be free.”
But as the segment wrapped, guest panellist and mother to two adult children, Gretel Killeen, turned to the camera to deliver a heartfelt, earnest message to the audience.
Top Comments
There is so so much I could say about what I watched last night but all I am going to say is... thank goodness for Gretel at the end of that segment.
It seems that the only motherhood regret that is socially acceptable involves regretting not having children. Motherhood is often held up as being the only avenue of complete fulfillment for women. While that is certainly true for so many women, it’s never going to be the case for everyone. The conspiracy of silence surrounding the subject of regretful mums isn’t helpful for those trying to make a decision about motherhood or those who may already be struggling. BTW I don’t think those mothers were saying they didn’t love their children; they just don’t enjoy the role of mother hood. I believe it’s helpful to differentiate between the two.