The Grief of Never Having Grandchildren

In America, rising numbers of adults are choosing not to have children, leading many would-be grandparents to confront feelings of loss. Therapist Claire Bidwell Smith notes that while parents may understand their children’s decisions, society often amplifies their grief by viewing grandchildren as a natural part of aging and family life. This shift in expectations is prompting a reevaluation of family legacies and what it means to find fulfillment later in life.