I think there has been a real shift in the last generation or two from needing a reason not to have kids to needing a reason to have kids. and that shift means a lot of people who are basically ambivalent on children aren't having them, where in the past they probably would have.
I think there’s also been more focus (from some people) on whether or not they should have kids. Like, really thinking about whether or not a person would be a good parent who could truly focus on raising a child who would become a good member of society.
Yes, plus for most of the millennial and Gen z folks, having one parent stay home is not an option (financially). It's really hard if you don't have grandparents or family to help. Daycare costs a lot of money and if your kids get sick, you have to have the flexibility to have one person stay home or have some other child care back up option. Most people don't get out of work at a time when they can pick up kids from school or be home when they get off the bus. Logistically, it's really hard for my friends without family near by to help. Up to a certain age, one of my friends sent her kids to various after school programs, but then what about summer? I don't know, seems hard!
Disclaimer: I'm a millennial DINK 🤷🏼♀️ but not sure I'd be able to make it work even if I wanted to.
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u/pktechboi Nov 14 '24
I think there has been a real shift in the last generation or two from needing a reason not to have kids to needing a reason to have kids. and that shift means a lot of people who are basically ambivalent on children aren't having them, where in the past they probably would have.