Why Young Adults Are Delaying Parenthood

[brooklynite]

Wall Street Journal

Much of the conversation around the drop in birthrate has been to pearl-clutch at “entitled” millennial stereotypes or to pontificate on the joys of child-rearing. But for many of my female friends contemplating future parenthood, the pandemic highlighted longstanding inequalities and challenges faced by women with children: wage stagnation, the high cost of child care, inadequate paid leave for parents—not to mention the ever-increasing stress of an already stressed population.

“I’ve seen how women got screwed in this,” one female friend said to me, referring to the disproportionate effect of the crisis on women.

As another friend told me, having a child right now doesn’t feel “financially safe.” She pointed to headlines about the seemingly unending parade of new coronavirus variants and instability in her particular industry as reasons for delaying pregnancy.

“There’s just so much uncertainty right now,” she said. “That is not going to change in 2022.”

[NickB79]

1. $1500/month for infant daycare

Might have a small role to play 🤔

[vercetti2021]

2. I'm delaying it indefinitely

I'm not bringing a child onto this planet as it is. Climate change, divided country. It would be an act of cruelty

[Sucha NastyWoman]

3. Must be a really tough decision for those whose biological clocks are ticking

And they had wanted children. Glad it’s not me.

[electric_blue68]

22. I like children, but never wanted kids, and didn't...

Blessings on those who are good parents!

[Aristus]

4. Because the entire Universe sucks right now?

[PortTack]

5. Of my two grand girls the youngest turns up her nose at the idea of ever having kids

It may change, but it’s a common theme among her friends as well

[milestogo]

13. I know a young woman who felt that way.

When she was 21 she told me she would never have children.

Less that a year later she was engaged and pregnant. Now she's in love with a beautiful baby boy.

[IcyPeas]

6. I don't know how people can afford kids these days in this country.

[madville]

8. For the most part, the same way they always have

Work and sacrifice, it’s never been easy for everyone. Both parents being together in a situation where one can stay home and raise the kids full time until at least elementary school age would be good too.

[harisjamal22700]

7. gg

gg

[Hekate]

20. Your point is?

[smirkymonkey]

9. I know of a lot of women who are putting it off for good.

They just don't see it as a positive thing for themselves, their potential child or society.

[sakabatou]

10. I'd rather have a pet than a kid

[PJMcK]

12. That's too bad

My son is approaching 26 years old.

They've been the best years of my life.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

14. It's not too bad. It's different from your experience, that's all.

[PJMcK]

19. You're correct, of course

Everyone is entitled to make their own choices.

All I intended to write was that I've thoroughly enjoyed being a father. I also know that parenthood isn't everyone's thing.

Sorry for my mis-communication.

[sakabatou]

16. Well, that's you.

I suggest you don't look down upon others for choosing pets instead of kids.

[PJMcK]

18. My comment wasn't meant derisively

I apologize if it seemed that way.

To each their own. All I meant was I-- me, personally-- have enjoyed parenthood. I understand it's not for everyone.

[sakabatou]

21. Ah, ok

[PJMcK]

11. Student debt may play a role, too (n/t)

[MineralMan]

15. They sound like very sensible young adults.

I'm encouraged.

[Hekate]

17. Because women are not stupid in the face of calamity, & this is a calamity. "Entitled" my elbow

The Great Depression also saw a dip in births. WWII sent a lot of young men away, but that was after the Great Depression had done its part. Many women delayed childbearing if they possibly could, because they could not afford babies.

My generation’s demographic bulge, the Baby Boom, occurred not just because the men came home but because there were jobs for them — lots of union jobs in manufacturing, with good wages.

As for the COVID pandemic, the governmental and societal structures that were fragile and/or rotten have collapsed in front of our eyes. If I were of childbearing age, I’d wait too.

That is my thumbnail sketch of the economics of it. Women are not stupid.

Of course, one “cure” for it is to outlaw abortion and contraception.

“Entitled” my rosy Irish ass.

[Progressive Jones]

23. I'm not a young adult. I've raised a child who is now 35. I'm currently raising a 13 year old.

There is no f'ing way I would bring another child into the current state of the World.