”beautiful bond”. my arse. My mum readily admits, and always has, that she never wanted children, never felt maternal, and really didn’t like being at home with us.
she had children because my dad loved them, and wanted a big family. She put her foot down at 2. she felt as she had no job, women didn’t have a career then, children it was.
which is why I think she’d have been better working. She’s proud of us now but it seems to be a validation of her life, rather than our achievements.
the “immeasurable worth” for me, came in my achievements outside the home. I’d have liked to continue those but as I said finances meant I gave them all up at secondary age. I’d have much preferred to continue my swimming and athletics clubs (I was good), learning independence and self esteem, than the evenings spent watching corrie with my mum or reading books alone in my room.
my bond was better with my dad as he used to take me swimming and to my clubs and activities, be engaged in my life.
Not all women want, or like children.