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I Regret Becoming A Parent

Connecticut Public Radio | By Chion Wolf
Published June 17, 2021 at 4:17 PM EDT
Albert Neuhuys, "Nordic Madonna", edited.
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Albert Neuhuys, "Nordic Madonna", edited.
Jenna Abetz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at the College of Charleston. She and her colleague, Professor Julia Moore, investigated how parents communicate regrets about having children.
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Jenna Abetz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at the College of Charleston. She and her colleague, Professor Julia Moore, investigated how parents communicate regrets about having children.
Sarah K. Brandis is the author of The Musings of an Elective Orphan. She also writes for Medium and The Virago.
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Sarah K. Brandis is the author of The Musings of an Elective Orphan. She also writes for Medium and The Virago.

It’s one thing to have a hard time with parenthood. But what if you wholeheartedly regret it? 

Hear from two parents who feel this way, and find out how they balance feeling full of regret while wanting to make sure their kids are well taken care of. And is it really possible to love someone whom they regret bringing into existence?

You’ll also meet a woman who knew she was regretted, and find out why she thinks we should be more open about it.

Join the conversation onFacebook,Twitter, and email.

GUESTS:
  • Jenna Abetz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at the College of Charleston. She and her colleague, Professor Julia Moore, investigated how parents communicate regrets about having children
  • "Anna" from Iowa is the mother to a 1-year-old and a 4-year old
  • "Tracy" from Maryland is the mother of a 9-year-old
  • Sarah K. Brandis is the author of The Musings of an Elective Orphan. She also writes for Medium and The Virago

Jessica Severin de Martinez and Catie Talarski contributed to this show.
Mental Health
Chion Wolf
Chion Wolf is the host of Audacious with Chion Wolf on Connecticut Public, spotlighting the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood.
See stories by Chion Wolf

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SOMOS CONNECTICUT is an initiative from Connecticut Public, the state’s local NPR and PBS station, to elevate Latino stories and expand programming that uplifts and informs our Latino communities. Visit CTPublic.org/latino for more stories and resources. For updates, sign up for the SOMOS CONNECTICUT newsletter at ctpublic.org/newsletters.

SOMOS CONNECTICUT es una iniciativa de Connecticut Public, la emisora local de NPR y PBS del estado, que busca elevar nuestras historias latinas y expandir programación que alza y informa nuestras comunidades latinas locales. Visita CTPublic.org/latino para más reportajes y recursos. Para noticias, suscríbase a nuestro boletín informativo en ctpublic.org/newsletters.

Fund the Facts

You just read trusted, local journalism that’s free for everyone, thanks to donors like you.

If that matters to you, now is the time to give. Join the 50,000+ members powering honest reporting and a more connected — and civil! — Connecticut.