Two important things are happening this year:...CONTINUE READING
My husband and I will be celebrating our third wedding anniversary.
I’m turning thirty.
And why are these milestones important? Because now a lot of people are asking us when we’re going to have children.
The questions started a year ago, but now that my husband’s siblings have children and it’s only us left, the questioning has intensified — an experience I’m sure isn’t unique to us.
In those moments, my husband and I smile and say we’re just having lots of fun (true) and that we’ll get to it soon (maybe true, maybe not). Though having children is definitely something my husband and I’ve been discussing — when, how, and all the relevant questions — we’re still unsure of whether we want children in the first place.
What we do know for sure is that we want to make this choice mindfully. We don’t want children to “just happen.” Whether yes or no, we want to make a well-thought-out decision, even if it’ll bring negative consequences.
That’s why besides the good — building a family, helping shape members of future generations, and other excellent points — we’ve listed the bad.
Here are seven reasons why having children might not be a good choice.
1. Children Are Expensive
Let’s start with the most obvious reason: Children cost a lot of money.
According to the most recent surveys, the first 17 years of a child’s life can cost an average of $300,000 in countries with a high cost of living (about $17,000 per year!) This, coupled with insane inflation and fewer savings than in previous generations, can be a recipe for disaster.
Now, I’m all for avoiding excessive consumerism, but children need a minimum.
Safe housing, food, and education are non-negotiable. Moreover, if my husband and I decide to have children, we’d like to help them achieve their dreams. If our child loves music, we’d love to pay for classes. If they’re extremely good at math, we’d love to support…
