Some people presume that, when you don’t have a child, you don’t actually have a true family, but picture this: 

A world where family isn’t limited to the traditional parent-and-child duo but rather is composed of a colorful tapestry of connections, bonds, and relationships that weave through your life and connect in a way that supports you. 

Well, that idea can be your reality as soon as today, and in this article, we’re diving into how you, as a childfree person, can craft a loving, connected, and diverse family without ever stepping foot in the diaper aisle. 

Focus on Quality Over Quantity

One way childfree individuals can build strong families is by focusing on quality over quantity. That means prioritizing the relationships that give you the most life, the ones you walk away thinking, “Wow, that person is a breath of fresh air.” 

It’s also important to note that some people get caught up in the rat race of “collecting” friends to the point that they get burnt out, lose touch, forget to get back with you, and/or bail on you on nearly every occasion. Luckily, there’s not any “perfect” amount of friends. You can have as many or as few as you wish. But by investing time and energy into nurturing the deep and dependable people in your life, you can create meaningful connections with those who genuinely care about you.

Celebrate Individuality

You’re quirky. I’m quirky. We’re all a little quirky in our own way. In light of this, don’t be afraid to embrace your family’s quirks – it’s part of what makes them uniquely them! Remember: different isn’t dangerous.

Choose Your Family Wisely

Okay, so you have some advice around choosing your family. Now, who belongs in it?

That’s up to you! Here are a few options for who could belong in your family.

1. Friends 

Who needs sidekicks when you have friends who are more loyal than Batman’s Robin? Forging deep, meaningful friendships is a great way to cultivate your own chosen family. Friends are great sources of emotional support, endless fun, and a sense of belonging, all of which can be both given and received.

2. Partners/Spouses

Because we’re not toting kids back and forth to school, childfree couples get to have a get to focus on their relationship without the chaos of diaper changes and PTA meetings! This time can be used in any way you like, be it going on a date night, starting a business, or having some “private time” at home (without the fear of the kiddos barging in!). All in all, you’ll have more time for communication, trust, or just watching Netflix together. What could be better?

3. Yourself 

While forging friendships and family connections is super important, don’t forget: you’re the hero of your own story! Take time for yourself. Carve out time to rest, repair, and build on your own passions, skills, and personal growth. By nurturing your own well-being, you’ll be building trust in yourself and cultivating things that light you up.

4. Immediate Family

Let’s talk about one of the beautiful benefits of being childfree: having more time. Yes, indeed, time is on our side, which also gives us more time with our immediate family members, whether that means helping out with aging parents, being the coolest sister-in-law, or doing some dog-sitting for your brother on the weekend.

5. Community/Nature/The World

Last, but not least: look to the environment and community around you to spot people who might fit your chosen family. This could include anyone from your neighbor to grocery store clerk to the performer working in a Cirque du Soleil show in Tampa. Really, your community-based family includes the people with whom you forge a connection, make a difference with, feel inspired by, or learn from.

By investing your time and energy in friendships, intimate relationships, personal growth, immediate family, community, and the world, you can craft a family that’s uniquely yours, filled with love, connection, and adventures that transcend the stereotypes of what a family “should” look like. 

And it’s all done without ever needing to wipe a baby’s bottom.