Thank you for writing a piece that lends itself to honest replies.

Talking about the regret of having children is still seen as very taboo.

I have chosen not to have children. I have never wanted children and I am childfree by choice. I have written extensively about this and the stigma this attracts.

I think the key thing is to be fully aware what is involved, the impact children will have on your life and what changes you will have to make. I am aware of all this. Society romanticizes it, all around us are images of happy families, Christmas adverts of perfect families. Everyone aspires to create what they see in glossy magazines.

I never fell for that. Many friends express how hard it is too me, they seem surprised! We need more honesty out there to allow people to make fully informed decisions.