Chelsea Handler’s spot-on reason for choosing a career-focused life

Between the yoga sessions and Moon Juice samplings at Gwyneth Paltrow’s In Goop Health summit held last weekend in New York City, there were lively discussions hosted by bold-named panels. The headliner talk of the night featured Paltrow, Drew Barrymore, Chelsea Handler, Laura Linney, Gone Girl author Gillian Flynn, and former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Elaine Welteroth about what it means to be a woman in 2018. One of the many topics they tackled: motherhood.

“I worked so hard to have a baby and I am grateful every day,” Linney said of giving birth at age 49. She admitted that it was not an easy pregnancy by any means—she was sick for the entire duration. But still, her gratefulness was there.

“Chelsea, what I admire about you is that you’ve chosen ‘otherhood’ instead of ‘motherhood’ and you’re so sure about that choice,” Paltrow said. “Why don’t you want to have kids?”

“Becoming a mother is something that I take so seriously. People need to really want to be come a mom.” —Chelsea Handler

“Well, I just don’t think it’s the best use of my time,” Handler replied, drawing a laugh from the crowd. “I’m just not interested.” Handler went on to explain that not wanting to have kids didn’t mean she didn’t like them—she does. “Becoming a mother is something that I take so seriously. People need to really want to be come a mom. Honestly, it should be hard to become a parent,” she said.

Even though all the women on stage had different views and experiences when it came to motherhood, they respected where each other came from—it wasn’t a “mommy war” by any means. And Handler’s comments struck a chord: Whether you have kids, don’t but want them, or are happily living a child-free life, it’s all about making the right choice for you and your family.

Speaking of celebs’ thoughts on kids, here’s how motherhood has fueled Serena Williams’ determination. Plus, what to say—and not to say—when a coworker comes back from maternity leave.