{
  "id": 112509,
  "title": "Solo parenting wasn't for me, so I'm co-parenting with my sister",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/solo-parenting-wasnt-for-me-so-im-co-parenting-with-my-sister",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-04T02:05:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-04/perspective-on-co-parenting-with-my-sister/106864740"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2019, the reporter, Eli Sutherland, faced a crossroads regarding having a biological child with one of her partners. After extensive research and preparation, she decided against it, realizing that solo parenting wasn't the right path for her. Meanwhile, her sister, Kathy, harbored a secret desire and decided to pursue IVF to become a mother.\n\nKathy, who identified as asexual and aromantic, initially did not desire children. However, her journey through the IVF process with Eli triggered a shift in her perspective. As a primary school teacher, she found the daily responsibilities overwhelming and yearned for a simpler life with a child of her own.\n\nThe siblings collaborated to create a unique co-parenting arrangement. With Kathy relocating from Melbourne to Perth for the first six months of their nibling's life, they navigated numerous challenges. They faced skepticism and questioning from others about their non-traditional family structure, but their bond remained strong.\n\nUpon giving birth, Eli experienced a profound sense of parentalism, feeling the role of a parent for the first time. Over the years, they celebrated milestones together, including Christmas, beach outings, and Bluey marathons. Eli embraced the role of a sibling and a secondary co-parent, referring to herself as \"Unty\" or \"auntie\" to her nieces.\n\nEli's story serves as a testament to the diverse nature of family structures and the evolving understanding of parenthood. In the end, Eli and Kathy's story is one of love, acceptance, and a unique co-parenting journey that challenges conventional norms.",
  "summary": "Solo parenting, it turns out, wasn't for me. But that's when my sister and I decided to embark on the adventure together.",
  "key_points": [
    "Eli Sutherland decided solo parenting wasn't right for her in 2019",
    "Kathy, asexual and aromantic, pursued IVF to become a mother",
    "Siblings created unique co-parenting arrangement with sibling role"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The siblings' co-parenting arrangement redefines traditional family structures, showing that parenthood can take many forms and that familial love and support can thrive in non-conventional relationships.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}