I think a major part of the problem is the flight of jobs to other countries and the government’s debasement of the value of our currency. People who can afford to have children tend to have them. But if they not only can’t afford it, but fear for what little income they do have, they decide against having kids. I asked my renters, both of whom work at Wal-Mart if they’re going to have a second child. The husband told me, “There’s no way I can see a future where we could afford to raise a second child.” (They’re both sweet kids and I wanted to steer them into a bigger unit. I’m giving them a good deal on 1000 sq ft, but he’s right, they can’t afford a 3/2 even at the discount I’d give them for being such good renters.)
” “There’s no way I can see a future where we could afford to raise a second child.”
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It’s sad he feels that way.
I was born in 1932. My friends and I,all depression kids,did very well.
It took a lot of sacrifice on our parents’ part,but it can be done.
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One thing the current generation of potential parents don’t consider is having kids actually SHARE a room. There’s the idea that if you have X kids then you need X+2 bedrooms. One for each child, one for the parents and a guest room.
These kids are at a big disadvantage when they get to college and have to actually SHARE a room with another human being. I was one of those kids. My roomie’s BREATHING kept me awake. I’d never slept in the room with anyone else before.
My kids share a room. They sleep through just about anything too.