Leen Mattens from the Flemish town of Ninove (East Flanders) is moving to Brussels soon. She wants to be able to meet up with people like her who don’t have any children, because otherwise children seem to dominate the conversation. Leen has set up a dedicated Facebook group that already counts hundreds of members.
'Childfree in Brussels' is a hit among singles who don’t (yet) want kids
Colin Clapson
Published:
"I am moving to Brussels this summer and I would like to meet new people," says the 27-year-old. "Many of my friends have children or are making plans for a family. That topic dominates many conversations, but I'm not yet ready for it myself. That's why I created the Facebook group Childfree in Brussel(s) . People in the group without any children can meet up to have something to eat or drink."
The Facebook group is a hit, because in only a few days it already has 260 members. "This is definitely not a group where we hate children," Leen points out. Parents of older children may also find the need for encounters on impulse. I do think it’s a good for me to meet other people from Brussels and talk about subjects other than children."
But does she want kids?
Leen herself has not yet decided whether she wants children. "Suppose I make the choice not to have children, I will want to be able to meet up with people who share this wish. I am thinking of surprise dates, which can be made on impulse without too much fuss."
Leen has already received a lot of positive feedback. "Many people respond enthusiastically. Who knows, maybe this group can be the start of similar initiatives across the country!"