This Viral Post About Why Millennials Aren’t Having Kids Is Sparking A Massive Debate

The author, u/thetimechaser — a parent who notes that childcare costs nearly match their mortgage — argues that the real driver of “plummeting” birth rates in developed nations isn’t shifting values or lifestyle preferences, but economic strain. While acknowledging that parenthood isn’t for everyone and shouldn’t be undertaken out of obligation, they suggest that many people who currently choose to be childfree would make a different decision under better material conditions.

Here’s the full post below:

“I’m just going to say it: The whole kids versus no-kids debate isn’t actually about kids. It’s about resources.

I feel like a considerable portion of our generation feels like we got rug-pulled by ‘the system,’ and understandably so. Hence, where we are today. Money, time, energy, emotions — everyone is feeling the squeeze, and that changes the mental calculus for everyone (as it should). I think if all material needs were taken care of, a considerable number of people would fall into the pro-kids camp.

I have a kid. Childcare is almost the cost of my mortgage. If it weren’t for that, I’d have a second. That’s literally it (for me, at least). My kid is wonderful, and I’m still able to fulfill myself with hobbies and take time for my wife, etc.

I’m not saying that ‘if you can afford it, you should have kids.’ No — still totally up to you. In fact, unless you actively want a kid, I don’t think you should have one. I can’t imagine a sadder environment for a kid than one of resentment.

I’m just saying that if more people could afford kids without essentially kicking themselves down a few rungs on the socioeconomic ladder, we wouldn’t see birth rates in developed nations plummeting at breakneck speed.

Just curious to see more discussion as it relates to resources and how that weighs on people’s decisions.”