Part 6/9:
Despite the palpable sense of trepidation around sharing these feelings, experts encourage open dialogue about parental regret. Keeping such feelings bottled up can not only affect mental health but also impact the children involved. There’s an argument to be made for the emotional benefits of expressing these regrets—sliding into a community that understands the struggles can foster a sense of belonging and relief.
Research indicates that a significant portion of parents wrestle with these feelings. A 2013 Gallup poll found that 7% of respondents who had children would choose to have none if given the chance. More recent research suggests that between 5% to 14% of parents in developed countries harbor regrettable feelings about having kids.