Swapna Narayanan 

Women are born nurturers – a statement with which we have been conditioned since ages. And the corollary, men cannot be nurturers, is again a stereotype we are brought up with!

But times are changing. Today, we are coming out of our shells and trying to break open the stereotypes. We are no more forced to consciously follow the path defined by the society – the path of marriage and subsequently children.

There are unique variants being chosen by many men and women, who feel that they do not have it in them to take up the responsibility associated. Folks are going for options like – no marriage but adopted children, marriage but no children, marriage but adopted children, and a few more.

It is very heartening to see this.

However, time and again we have seen, that after great submissiveness, comes reckless freedom and eventually we reach a state of equilibrium. We are currently in the reckless freedom phase. Let it not be that because one does not want to conform, there is a conscious focus towards just reveling in the freedom and not thinking deep on our feelings.

More so in women who are working professionals, who feel daunted by the task of nurturing along with their core focus of achieving in their life.

While this is a clear personal choice, I would urge all couples to look deep within and ask themselves – are you a nurturer or not?

If yes, go ahead and become parents. It is a very beautiful experience. Of course, it is not easy, with its own share of heart burn. However, with a good supportive ecosystem, you can make it. Remember, we are born multi-taskers, as has been proven since time immemorial. Just look back at your own family histories and you are bound to find enough inspiring parents who did it all!

If no, it is perfectly fine. Do not burden yourself with parenthood, if you do not possess a nurturing instinct in you. It is better if you do not bring to this world another life and then fail in raising it.

So, all you lovely and intelligent couples, dive a little deeper into your heart, listen to that inner voice that is saying something and act accordingly.

Being parents is the most beautiful feeling on this earth, especially motherhood, but forcing yourself to it, may not be beautiful at all!