Ina Garten on Not Having Children: 'Totally Happy with the Decision'

Ina Garten, the esteemed author of "Be Ready When the Luck Happens," expresses no regrets about her choice to remain child-free, PEOPLE reported. The 76-year-old chef has been married to Jeffrey Garten, 78, since 1968. During a live Q&A at PEOPLE's offices on December 5, she explained, "Not for a minute" has she regretted her decision. She shared, "I think Jeffrey would've been a great parent, but I don't know whether I would've been a good parent. Anyway, I'm totally happy with the decision."

While acknowledging the joys of parenthood, she remarked, "I see why people have children." She appreciates her friends who have kids and build wonderful families. However, it took her time to grasp this perspective in depth.

Garten revealed that she faced no pressure to start a family. "I have to say, even my parents never asked," she explained. Her understanding of motherhood evolved over the years.

Reflecting on her upbringing, Garten shared insights into her childhood experiences. "When I was in my 20s, I just couldn't understand why people had children because I had such a miserable childhood," she said. The memories of her childhood continue to impact her views.

In a PEOPLE cover story published in September, Garten detailed her difficult upbringing marked by her father's abusive behavior. "There was nothing happy about it," she lamented.

"My parents had more of a 'my way or the highway' approach," she noted in her memoir. Garten articulated that any attempts to diverge from their expectations were met with serious consequences.

She reflected on her early fears: "At three, I begged our babysitter not to tell my father about my actions." This anxiety stemmed from formidable consequences for perceived disobedience. She described being terrified of her father's anger, explaining, "When he got angry, which was often, anything could happen." Describing a harsh cycle, she articulated feelings of neglect, noting that although her parents held high expectations, they did not support her potential.

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