107102023

Story: Dyanna Volek, a 37-year-old woman, always knew she didn’t want children, partly influenced by her mother’s sacrifices and her own interests. While some societal pressures made her reconsider, she realized that being a parent was not her path and made that choice. This is part of a larger trend where an increasing number of American women are embracing child-free lifestyles, driven by various factors including economic insecurity, political uncertainty, shifting gender norms, and the lack of government support for families. This trend connects to the principles of Child Safeguarding and Protection as it emphasizes the importance of respecting individual choices and ensuring a supportive and safe environment for children.

Senses (Child Safeguarding and Protection Principles):

1. Respect for Individual Choices: Understanding and respecting that not everyone desires or is suited for parenthood, which is a fundamental aspect of child safeguarding.
2. Mental Health Consideration: Acknowledging the impact of mental health on parenting and realizing that some individuals may find it challenging to balance both, which affects the well-being and safety of children.
3. Supportive Policies: Recognizing the need for government support in child-rearing, including family-friendly policies and paid parental leave, which can contribute to a safer and more protected environment for children.
4. Gender Equality: Promoting equal sharing of parenting responsibilities and household tasks between partners, ensuring children are raised in an environment that values gender equality.
5. Health and Well-being: Prioritizing individual health and well-being when making choices about having children, which directly influences the well-being of children.

Stones (Child Safeguarding and Protection Lessons for Parents, Government, and Society):

1. Respect Personal Choices: Parents, government, and society should respect individual choices regarding parenthood, as this respects the fundamental principles of child safeguarding, including the right to protection.
2. Support for Mental Health: Acknowledge the importance of mental health in parenting, and provide support and resources, contributing to a safer and more nurturing environment for children.
3. Family-Friendly Policies: Governments should implement family-friendly policies, including paid parental leave and affordable childcare, which are essential for child safeguarding and protection.
4. Gender Equality: Promote equal sharing of parenting and household responsibilities between partners to ensure that children are raised in environments that foster respect for gender equality.
5. Empower Choice: Empower individuals to make informed choices about parenthood without societal judgment or pressures, creating a more inclusive and child-protective society.