Mom slammed for claiming childfree people are 'on vacation 24/7'
Social-media backlash follows a mother's claim that childfree individuals have all the free time; researchers note a rise in Americans choosing not to have children.
A mother sparked online debate after claiming that childfree people have unlimited free time, describing them as 'on vacation 24/7.' Danielle Ekwerekwu, who posts under the handle @danni_ek, published a video that quickly went viral and has drawn more than 600,000 views. In the clip, she says she loves her kids but rarely has free time, noting she chose parenthood and accepts the tradeoffs, while acknowledging she might be a little envious of friends who don’t have children.
The video set off a flood of responses in the comments. Some users praised her honesty; others pushed back, arguing that the remark unfairly generalizes about childfree people. One commenter wrote, 'This is giving I regret my choice and I’m envious of those who are childfree.' Another added, 'This video proves you have free time,' while a third said, 'Yes, our free time is different. It’s why a lot of us don’t want kids. But to say we’re practically on vacation 24/7 is absurd.'
Context for the moment comes from a Michigan State University study, which found a rising share of U.S. adults deliberately choosing not to have children. The researchers reported that the percentage of non-parents who don’t want to have children rose from 14% in 2002 to 29% in 2023, suggesting shifting attitudes toward family planning, parenting responsibilities, and how time is allocated in daily life.
Experts say the trend reflects broader changes in work-life balance and social expectations, rather than a single sentiment. While the video highlights a personal experience, it sits within a larger conversation about time, resources, and the evolving meaning of family in contemporary culture. The incident also illustrates how social media can amplify divides in the culture and entertainment landscape and shape public perception of parenting norms.
Advocates of childfree living note that freedom to travel and work flexible hours is a real perk for many; parents often describe their own compensation in different terms. The moment underscores how times have changed in the era of online video, where a single post can ignite a national dialogue about parenting and personal choice.
