DeepSummary
The host, Jemma, discusses the idea of having children in one's twenties, which may seem like an incredibly adult decision that many don't consider at that age. She explores the various factors to consider, such as the desire for freedom, career goals, travel plans, dating life, and the pressure to find a suitable partner. She also addresses the biological clock and potential fertility issues that women may face as they get older.
Jemma acknowledges that while some may want to preserve their youth and freedom for a little longer, others may have a shift in perspective and suddenly desire to have children. She argues that thinking about children in one's twenties, even if the intention is to have them later, can provide more information, foresight, and ultimately, more freedom and choice in the future.
Jemma shares perspectives from listeners who had children in their twenties or had to make decisions about fertility at a young age. She highlights the importance of considering factors like health, finances, and finding a compatible partner, while also recognizing that plans may not always work out as intended, and that science is advancing to provide more options.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Having children in one's twenties may seem like an adult decision, but considering it early can provide more information, foresight, and ultimately, more freedom and choice.
- Factors to consider when thinking about having children in one's twenties include career goals, travel plans, dating life, finding a compatible partner, health, and potential fertility issues.
- While some may want to preserve their youth and freedom for a little longer, others may experience a shift in perspective and suddenly desire to have children in their twenties.
- Learning about fertility issues at a young age can drastically change one's outlook and priorities, separating them from their peers.
- Being intentional and having a clear plan when deciding to have children at a younger age allows for choosing the timing that best aligns with one's values and desired parenting approach.
- There is still time to have children later in life, and a fulfilling life is possible with or without children.
- Science is advancing to provide more options for family planning, such as egg freezing, which can give a sense of control and freedom.
- Societal stigma and judgments may be faced by those who choose to have children at a young age, even when it is a conscious decision.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “And I was speaking to a friend about that and how she is now in her kind of like early thirties and how stressful it is that it's no longer just about finding a connection. Because, yes, of course, that obviously is the most important thing, but it's also about making sure that you're on the same page.“ by Jemma
- “I found out that I had half a uterus when I was 21 and that just put everything into perspective then and there. It felt like I aged out of my friend group immediately and no one could understand how my life felt different because suddenly I was thinking about decisions they didn't have to make for years.“ by Listener
- “I always knew I wanted to be a parent and had my baby girl at 23. I faced a lot of stigma that she was an accident. Oh my God. Sidebar. Why would you ever say that to somebody that is so freaking rude.“ by Listener
- “I think when you are clear that that is going to be part of your plan and when you have really considered it and thought about it, you can actually choose when it's going to work best for you and for her, it sounded like when she was younger that was really what was aligned with how she wanted to raise her child.“ by Jemma
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Episode Information
The Psychology of your 20s
iHeartPodcasts
6/14/24
The thought of having children in our 20s feels like an incredibly adult decision, and is one a lot of us probably don't consider. We want to protect our youth and our freedom a little bit longer, or perhaps have decided we probably will never want children.
But whether you want to have children or not, having a clear understanding of your future intentions or choices, your reproductive health, the kind of person who might make a good partner, and therefore parent, is important. More information, more foresight actually equals greater freedom and sometimes time to decide.
We break down:
- Why you should be thinking in your 20s
- The pros and cons of having children in your 20s
- The argument for NOT having children
- Fertility
- Milestone anxiety and the pressure to find someone
- Your stories of pregnancy, parenthood and fertility in your 20s
Listen now!
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast
For business enquiries: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com
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