The distinction between wistfulness and regret was super helpful. I will remember that for clients. “Our family is complete with one child” the phrase I worked on with my therapist. The fact that I spent even one minute in therapy justifying my choices is depressing but my anxious parts needed that. I appreciate you laying out the research. I know it’s the best choice for us and yet people can be very insistent it’s not based on research and old tropes about only children.
It is so hard! Especially because it feels like only child families must somehow prove that we have a good enough reason or have done enough research to be able to justify it.
Loved this: 'Wistfulness is a gentle acknowledgment of roads not taken. It's the ability to see that multiple paths could have brought joy and fulfillment, without needing to invalidate the path you did take. It's saying "that could have been beautiful too" rather than "I should have done that instead."' <3
The distinction between wistfulness and regret was super helpful. I will remember that for clients. “Our family is complete with one child” the phrase I worked on with my therapist. The fact that I spent even one minute in therapy justifying my choices is depressing but my anxious parts needed that. I appreciate you laying out the research. I know it’s the best choice for us and yet people can be very insistent it’s not based on research and old tropes about only children.
It is so hard! Especially because it feels like only child families must somehow prove that we have a good enough reason or have done enough research to be able to justify it.
Absolutely agree, it’s best for all of us. We feel complete with just the three of us ❤️
Loved this: 'Wistfulness is a gentle acknowledgment of roads not taken. It's the ability to see that multiple paths could have brought joy and fulfillment, without needing to invalidate the path you did take. It's saying "that could have been beautiful too" rather than "I should have done that instead."' <3
Thank you Suze!