Abstract

This chapter explores the role that having (and not having) children plays in the process of individuation. The chapter explores the various archetypes and complexes activated by children which can be intentionally integrated into the parent’s personality. The most common include the mother complex, father complex, and puer/puella complex. The second section of the chapter considers modern trends indicating fewer people are choosing to have children. What does childlessness mean for the process of individuation? How can the complexes and archetypes activated by children be worked through if not by having real children? The chapter considers the psychological value of various positive “child-alternatives” which include creative projects, pets, adopting the role of aunt/uncle, political advocacy, as well as less positive alternatives which include remaining a puer/puella and regression. The chapter shows that while parenting a real child can be an important part of individuation, it does not mean that having one’s own child is the only way to accomplish this. What is important for individuation is that childless individuals intentionally find a way to access the complexes and archetypes which tend to be activated by real children so as to further integrate them and grow.