The Joy of Other People's Children

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Kate Kaufmann

June 19, 2026

The Joy of Other People's Children

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/unapparent/202606/the-joy-of-other-peoples-children

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Recent Blog Posts

September 11, 2026

Events

Dolly: A Childfree Inspiration for Us All

How those without children shape philanthropy and community.

Taking a "Break" From the Aging Process

A 92-year-old childfree solo ager shares wisdom on "mini-vacations" from aging.

It’s All Relative(s): Navigating Family Events Without Kids

A Personal Perspective: Finding connection outside the parenting bubble.

3 Things I Wish I Did Earlier on the Path to Non-Parenthood

Personal Perspective: Non-parents have the freedom to design our own lives.

Forest Bathing for Fast Walkers

"Forest showering": Enjoy nature's beauty while embracing your natural rhythm.

A Wedding for One, the Birth of a Book, and a Puppy Party

How we celebrate those outside the mainstream of family.

Besides the Kids, Time and Money Differentiate Parents From Nonparents

Parents and nonparents allocate time and money very differently.

In Search of Frugal Joy

Personal Perspective: How Captain Cook guided my voyage to happiness.

Three Ways Age Can Make Elders Better at Romance

Personal Perspective: We can be our authentic selves and find the same in others.

How Writing a Book Convinced Me I'm an Introvert

Personal Perspective: Life is much easier now that I know I'm an introvert.

Non-Parents, the Free Agents of Adulthood

What works for pro sports applies to life without kids, too.

If You Don't Have Kids, What's Your Legacy?

Personal Perspective: When you don't have kids, you can design your own legacy.

My Strategies for Dealing With the Kid Question

Personal Perspective: When asked if I have kids, I've learned to steer the conversation.

The Key to Aging Without Having Kids

Personal Perspective: Building a network of nonparent friends can be fun and life-affirming.

Misunderstood on Mother's Day

Personal Perspective: Non-motherhood evolves over time, just like motherhood does.

Money Matters for Nonparents

Personal Perspective: The childfree save and spend differently than parents do.

Kissing Cousins of the Childless and Childfree

Personal Perspective: Parents and non-parents can form family trees of affinity.

Foregoing Motherhood: The Thing About Future Regret

Personal Perspective: Seeing the future when living in the present is really hard.

2024 Women of the Year: Childless Cat Ladies

This year, we childless cat ladies came out of the shadows and into the media.

Reframing the Parent and Non-Parent Divide

Personal Perspective: Parents and non-parents have more in common as they age.

Who Will Take Care of You When You're Old?

Personal Perspective: A non-parent on later-life planning.

Let's Move Beyond Cat Ladies, IVF and IUI to Find Meaning

Non-parents live interesting and inspiring lives.

Calling All Cat Ladies and Other Non-Parents

Here's how to deal with all the buzz about people who don't have kids.

Handy Resources to Find and Befriend Other Non-Parents

Options abound to meet the childless, undecided, and everything in-between.

Do You or Did You Want Kids?

A Personal Perspective: The answer depends on your age and circumstances.

Two Great Gifts for Friends and Family Without Kids

2 Great Gifts for Friends and Family Without Kids. These free and respectful options will be much appreciated.

3 Reasons Elders Are Crucial Friends for Those Without Kids

A Personal Perspective: People older than ourselves can help guide our future.

Are Chi Suckers Sapping Your Energy?

A Personal Perspective: Are you a chi sucker? Am I?

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