# On the fence about parenthood? Listen to this

An episode of [Life Kit](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1461493560), 26 May 2026, 26 min.

Audio: https://tracking.swap.fm/track/XvDEoI11TR00olTUO8US/prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510338/npr.simplecastaudio.com/8ae5a040-e346-4b89-ba6b-625f91f1fbd4/episodes/7426be44-50e8-446c-b3e8-98f30274c6e2/audio/128/default.mp3?awCollectionId=8ae5a040-e346-4b89-ba6b-625f91f1fbd4&awEpisodeId=7426be44-50e8-446c-b3e8-98f30274c6e2&feed=XkY2SBZJ&t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5831621&p=510338&d=1571&size=25145305

Could you see your life just as easily with children as without? What if you're not cut out for parenthood? What if you grow lonely in your old age? Or what if you have a loving partner, but you disagree on this choice? Deciding between parenthood and a child-free life requires clarity about your fears and deepest desires -- no easy task. This episode, psychotherapist and author of the book, The Baby Decision, Merle Bombardieri, helps us get clear. She discusses minimizing regret, figuring out your ideal timeline and navigating differing opinions with a partner. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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