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"A non-parent could similarly argue that you don't get to pass judgement since you are under the influence of cognitive dissonance."

The difference is that someone who is a parent has also been a non-parent.

Someone who is a non-parent has never been a parent.

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That doesn't really make sense. Cognitive dissonance may cause a smoker to rationalize their habit even though they have also been a non-smoker. In fact you could argue that cognitive dissonance is more likely to affect a parent than a smoker, as parents don't have the alternative option of quitting.

You could argue that non-parents may also be under the influence, but having formerly been a non-parent doesn't necessarily mean you're not rationalizing your choice to make you feel better about it.

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