Journal prompts for exploring whether you’d like to be a parent

Deciding whether or not to become a parent is one of the most personal — and often complicated — choices we can face. It’s a decision layered with emotions, values, cultural messages, family dynamics, and practical realities. You might feel clear one day and conflicted the next, or carry a quiet knowing that’s hard to articulate. These journal prompts are designed to help you slow down and explore your thoughts, feelings, and ambivalence with honesty and care. There’s no right answer here — just room to listen to yourself more deeply.

Do I truly believe that choosing not to have children is even an option for me?

What do I believe having children and being a parent would mean — emotionally, practically, spiritually?

What lessons about parenting did I learn from growing up?

Are there experiences with my own parents that might be showing up in my ambivalence about having children? What do I notice about that?

What fears come up around the idea of having children — logistically, financially, physically, relationally?

What does the role of “parent” mean to me personally?

What expectations do I carry when I think about having children? Which ones feel positive, and which feel heavy or negative?

Have I ever felt urges to parent or have children? What do I remember about these feelings from adolescence — or even earlier?

What am I most afraid of if I decide to have children?

What am I most afraid of if I decide not to have children?