By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
What's The JamWhat's The Jam
  • Home
  • Latest News
    • UK News
    • World News
  • Super ViralHot
  • Lifestyle
    • Health and Fitness
    • Photography
    • Property
  • Humor
  • Celebrity
  • Weird
  • Videos
  • All Topics
    • Babies and Kids
    • Celebrity
    • Comedy and Humor
    • Documentary and Reportage
    • Fails
    • Health and Fitness
    • Holidays and Travel
    • Influencers and Models
    • Latest Videos
    • Life Hacks
    • Lifestyle
    • Nature and Wildlife
    • Pets and Animals
    • Photography
    • Property
    • Real Life
    • Sport
    • Strange and Bizarre
    • Super Viral
    • UK News
    • World News
Search
  • Health and Fitness
  • Holidays and Travel
  • Nature and Wildlife
  • Pets and Animals
  • Photography
  • Babies and Kids
  • Comedy and Humor
  • Fails
  • Real Life
  • Strange and Bizarre
  • Submit News
  • Customize Interests
  • Bookmarks
  • Newsletter
  • Who Are We
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact
© 2023 What's The Jam. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: ‘People try to gaslight me into having kids – but my life would be worse with them in it’
Share
Notification Show More
Aa
What's The JamWhat's The Jam
Aa
  • News
  • World
  • Viral
  • Funny
  • Weird
  • Celebrity
  • DIY
  • Lifestyle
  • Sport
  • Videos
Search
  • Home
    • News
    • World
    • Super Viral
    • Videos
  • All Topics
    • Babies and Kids
    • Celebrity
    • Comedy and Humor
    • Documentary and Reportage
    • Fails
    • Health and Fitness
    • Holidays and Travel
    • Influencers and Models
    • Life Hacks
    • Lifestyle
    • Nature and Wildlife
    • Pets and Animals
    • Photography
    • Property
    • Real Life
    • Sport
    • Strange and Bizarre
  • Quick Links
    • Customize Interests
    • Bookmarks
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of use
    • Write For Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact
© 2023 What's The Jam. All Rights Reserved.
Jade Matthews, a London-based digital content creator, shares her experience of being constantly pressured to start a family, despite knowing she doesn't want children. At 36, she asserts that being child-free has made her life better, despite societal expectations. She advocates for women's right to choose and offers support through her Facebook group, Childfree Entrepreneurs.
Real Life

‘People try to gaslight me into having kids – but my life would be worse with them in it’

Amy Walters
Last updated: 2024/03/05 at 1:27 PM
Amy Walters
Share
8 Min Read
Jade Matthews. (Picture: Jam Press)
SHARE

A woman says she is fed up with constantly being “gaslit” into starting a family – adding that being child-free has made her life better.

Jade Matthews has always known that she didn’t want children, but even as a child herself, this opinion was met with negativity and lots of backlash.

The digital content creator has battled as she’s grown up with being called “immature” and “selfish” – and has received comments trying to “gaslight” her into making the permanent decision.

Now, aged 36, she claims the persistent topic is starting to become less of a conversation starter in her life, but says that women in society need to know that being a mum isn’t their only purpose.

- Advertisement -

READ MORE: Want to convert a van to travel the world like a nomad? Read this first

“Everyone has their own ideas of success, but I know that my life certainly wouldn’t be better off with a child in it – in fact, it’d be worse,” Jade, from London, told What’s The Jam.

Jade Matthews, a London-based digital content creator, shares her experience of being constantly pressured to start a family, despite knowing she doesn't want children. At 36, she asserts that being child-free has made her life better, despite societal expectations. She advocates for women's right to choose and offers support through her Facebook group, Childfree Entrepreneurs.
Jade Matthews. (Picture: Jam Press)

“I’d have less money, time and freedom for myself.

“As I grew up and others around me started to have kids, it was just expected that I’d make a fuss over the newborn.

“I remember when one of my younger cousins was born and holding them – I thought they were cute, but it never made me want one of my own.

- Advertisement -

“Sometimes, people would say: ‘It really suits you’ which I found very creepy, as I was barely an adult myself at the time.

“It’s comments like this which make young women believe that this is the route they have to take in life.

“Just because I can, doesn’t mean I should.

- Advertisement -

“It’s sad how many people end up with regret because they’ve been coerced into this decision to please others and not themselves.”

Jade, who used to hate playing with baby dolls as a young girl, recalls the topic of having children popping up with her friends around the age of 12.

When she slipped into conversation that she was never going to have any, she remembers her peers looking at her like she had “three heads”.

As the digital content creator entered her 20s, she still didn’t feel maternal or have an ounce of “baby fever” which rubbed family and friends – even strangers – up the wrong way.

Jade Matthews, a London-based digital content creator, shares her experience of being constantly pressured to start a family, despite knowing she doesn't want children. At 36, she asserts that being child-free has made her life better, despite societal expectations. She advocates for women's right to choose and offers support through her Facebook group, Childfree Entrepreneurs.
Jade in Sacred Valley, Peru. (Picture: Jam Press)

She said: “I had non-stop comments from people I didn’t really know telling me that I’d change my mind or that I’m going to die alone.

“It’s such a grim thought to have in the first place and it’s shocking how many people spend their days worrying about such stuff.

“I feel sorry for them because their time is consumed with these fears and usually, they’re just pushing these into judging the child-free community about why we don’t have any kids.

“People around me have only ever expressed their concerns about me regretting my decision, but this has never been the case for me.

“It’s not like starting a new job, deciding you don’t like it halfway through and then leaving – it’s a permanent, life-altering decision.”

Jade believes that women without children are often treated differently in society, but says that there are many reasons which may put people off; such as the cost of living crisis and overpopulation.

She also thinks that the expectations of women are constantly pushed in society and that they’re made to feel “guilty” if they don’t meet these.

The 36-year-old said: “We’re gaslighted into believing that our lives need to be chaotic and stressful and that we’re not allowed to put ourselves first.

“I know when I started putting more time into me, that people kept trying to push the guilt trip narrative – but I had the time and they didn’t anymore.

“It’s shown in television shows and adverts that women aren’t complete without a baby or that having one was the making of them.

“If child-free people are shown, then we’re often portrayed as the villain and made to look like awful, bitter people.

“Maybe society should ask those without kids what we get up to and how much we contribute to the world even though we don’t have a baby.

“But all our efforts get pushed to the side because it doesn’t involve kids as if we’re somewhat not worthy enough.”

Now, Jade is married to someone who also doesn’t want children and is using her experiences to offer support and advice to those going through a similar situation.

Jade Matthews, a London-based digital content creator, shares her experience of being constantly pressured to start a family, despite knowing she doesn't want children. At 36, she asserts that being child-free has made her life better, despite societal expectations. She advocates for women's right to choose and offers support through her Facebook group, Childfree Entrepreneurs.
Jade Matthews. (Picture: Jam Press)

She has a group on Facebook, Childfree Entrepreneurs, where she offers a “safe space” for people without children to not be judged – but says that more needs to be done in society.

Jade added: “I’ve always made it clear that this is my choice and it’s not up for negotiation.

“I laugh at people’s comments now, especially as they think they’re going to be ‘the one’ to finally change my mind.

“One of my favourites is: ‘You don’t know anything about being tired until you’ve had kids’ as if that’s going to sell the idea to me.

“It’s OK not to want children and you’re still worthy if that’s the case.

“People seem to think they’re superior for having kids, but I hope this mindset will change.

“Even if I changed my mind one day, I know I’ll be judged for what I fed for dinner or how I dressed them – as nothing pleases society.

“Why make life more difficult?

“It’s my life and I get to make the decisions – and I shouldn’t be made to feel guilty for doing that.”

READ MORE: VIDEO: Woman shocked after friends TRASH her flat while she’s away on work trip

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • X

Have a story to tell? Hello@whatsthejam.com
TAGGED: children, criticisms, family, Lifestyle, relationships, tips

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
[mc4wp_form]
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Copy Link Print
Share
What do you think?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Sleepy0
Angry0
Dead0
Wink0
Previous Article Bill Murray's iconic red rose bowling ball from 'Kingpin' up for auction. Used in final scene where Murray's character, Ernie McCracken, rolls three consecutive strikes. Auctioned with 20 days left, current bid $37,000 (£30,000). Bill Murray’s famous, see-through bowling ball from Kingpin movie selling for £30,000
Next Article Aaron Fletcher advocates for off-grid living, warning of an imminent global collapse. He shares his sustainable lifestyle to inspire others on YouTube. Man ditches 9 to 5 to go off-grid and live off the land because global ‘disaster’ is on its way
Leave a comment Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

235.3k Followers Like
69.1k Followers Follow
11.6k Followers Pin
56.4k Followers Follow
136k Subscribers Subscribe
4.4k Followers Follow
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Latest News

Shoppers are furious after Primark revealed its name is pronounced Preemark in Scotland, sparking a nationwide debate as the retailer marks 50 years north of the border.
Shoppers left outraged after budget clothes chain says it’s pronounced ‘Preemark’ not Primark
UK News 22 August 2025
Fans who missed out on sold-out Oasis gig come up with ‘genius’ alternative
World News 22 August 2025
Balenciaga’s £595 plain work shirt sparks debate as it costs 27 times more than a £22 Next version and can’t be washed, raising eyebrows over fashion and practicality.
Balenciaga selling plain work shirt for £595 – 27 times more expensive than identical one from Next… and you can’t even wash it
UK News 22 August 2025
Firefighters and Thames Water rescued England’s only King penguin colony at Birdland by refilling their pool after a hosepipe ban left the chicks sweltering in summer heat.
P-p-p-piping hot penguins home and hosed after being saved by firefighters when their pool dries up
Pets and Animals 22 August 2025

You Might also Like

Nine-year-old Frankie McMillan has climbed over 700 mountains including 10 of Europe’s highest peaks - the young adventurer is now planning bigger charity climbs ahead.
UK News

Boy, nine, scales more than 700 mountains including 10 of Europe’s highest peaks

22 August 2025
Woman with ‘world’s biggest lips’ says parents call her ugly and fear for her health as she vows to keep getting fillers despite family rift and medical professionals refusing treatment.
Lifestyle

‘I have biggest lips in the world – my parents are terrified for me but I’ll keep going bigger’

21 August 2025
Psychic mum says spirits tag along on family trips to parks and pools as her kids inherit eerie abilities with daughter Ivy even predicting surprises like Alton Towers visits.
Real Life

‘I’m a psychic mum – ghosts crash our school holidays and now my kids see them too’

20 August 2025
Bride-to-be scammed on Vinted after £1,000 Retrofête gown listed for £60 turns out to be cheap fake eyelashes as seller blocks her before refund issued.
Real Life

‘I thought I’d bagged a bargain worth £1,000 on Vinted – I couldn’t believe what arrived’

20 August 2025
Couple mistaken for mother and son online due to height difference hit back at trolls as viral TikTok sparks millions of views while they plan IUI to start a family.
Lifestyle

‘People think my fiancée is my SON because of height difference – now we have to hide our love in public’

20 August 2025
Mum Billie Van Der Walt sold everything to travel the world with her husband and kids, embracing worldschooling and freedom over bills, routines and life in the UK.
Holidays and Travel

‘We quit our lives and uprooted our kids to travel the globe – people call us selfish but it’s the best thing for them’

19 August 2025
Mum mistaken for a child shocks TikTok as 26 year old Abrianna Eison says her 4’11 height and 78lb frame make people think she’s as young as nine despite having a baby.
Real Life

‘I’m a 26-year-old mum but people constantly mistake me for a CHILD’

18 August 2025
A North Wales man admits eating up to 14 eggs a day despite his girlfriend threatening to move out over the smell, saying he’s obsessed and can’t go a day without them.
Lifestyle

‘I eat up to 14 eggs a DAY – my girlfriend’s threatening to move out due to my stinky obsession’

14 August 2025
//

What’s The Jam is your one stop website for the latest viral and weird news from around the world.

 
Have a story to tell? Hello@whatsthejam.com

Quick Link

  • Customize Interests
  • Bookmarks
  • Write for Us
  • Newsletter
  • About Us

Top Categories

  • UK News
  • World News
  • Latest Videos
  • Lifestyle
  • Super Viral

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

[mc4wp_form]

What's The JamWhat's The Jam
Follow US
© 2023 What's The Jam. All Rights Reserved.
Go to mobile version
adbanner
AdBlock Detected
Our site is an advertising supported site. Please whitelist to support our site.
Okay, I'll Whitelist
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?