To have kids or not to? Your opinion from economy perspective

[Ivystar5]

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You're right maybe the culture I belong does not permit such and that must have affected my thoughts towards some things, it's good as everyone is entitled to his identity but then regardless of that disappointing the parents who sacrificed to bring up with whatever choice you make is some how a very dumb decision one can make. yet it's also on the part of the parent to stop the mentality of children being there retirement plan or investment that has to bring returns instead see it as a volunteer service they provide for family sake.

I am not fan of word, 'sacrifice', that's so often used because children do not ask to be born here — if you decide to bring them into this word, you must give them best you can and without taking iota of credit for the same, and neither do children owe anything to their parents for giving them existence that is literally a lifetime of maintenance (sure, some people enjoy doing this maintenance, it's different thing) and eventual death.

I understand your perspective of live and child upbringing but however, my cultur beloef system is somehow outdated hence I seem to be in the old days and perceived child upbringing as a sole duty which requires a lot of putting down oneself in other to put the kids first and give them a better life but however, in today's world it's our responsibility to take care of children and at the end of they decide to do that in return it's considered noble since it's perceived they do not owe no one nothing for being their kids.

[Royal Cap]

That's a poor man's mentality, the ones that failed in using their useful age to seize opportunities or create one and make a fortune so they feel they'll just birth children and leave the responsibilities of generating wealth in future for their kids, thinking about it is kind of insane cause they forget that it the responsibility to parents to give kids proper upbringing and direct them through the path that would lead them to opportunities that would bring good fortune, forgetting that they'll still need to give their kids basic education that would help them acquire wealth in future. It's even better to be child free than have such mentality.

I agree with the statement that parenting can be unfair to the child because of lack of preparedness whether financially or emotionally. Children who grow up without a way to follow tend to encounter difficulty in avoiding poverty cycles, this has been the case across time and geography. It does not imply that people must be rich to have children but planning, education, and mentoring help.

When one is not prepared to give that, then it is a good decision to remain child free. The moral of the storey is that parenting has more to do with giving birth to children and less about preparing them to actual opportunities.

[Versatile_choice]

[Edited out]

I agree with the statement that parenting can be unfair to the child because of lack of preparedness whether financially or emotionally. Children who grow up without a way to follow tend to encounter difficulty in avoiding poverty cycles, this has been the case across time and geography. It does not imply that people must be rich to have children but planning, education, and mentoring help.

You're right having kids does not necessarily mean that you must be rich before you can meet up the requirements, even though some people may be thinking that before giving birth that One must be Rich but that's not the fact. Moreover I have seen some rich people not taking good care of thier kids I mean in terms of discipline while some of this Rich men can't even enroll their kids in a more decent school but most of this people that claims to be poor can even do better than this rich people, sometimes I still keep wondering how most people define Rich. For me being rich is when You're feeding very well paying your bills by your own self without asking any body for help, even if you don't live in a well furnished apartment or building but so long as you are able to provide all your needs you're rich.

[coupable]

Alot of criminal who has become a problem to society is as a result of frustration because the people who have birth to them were not fit to take care of their parental duties.

In most countries in the world filled with traditional societies, parents have no limits to treat their children in anyway they think it's right. Some of them think that humiliation, violence, are legit treaties with their children. I love in Islamic culture society and the Islam gave a lot of rules for children to well tteat their parents, but in the opposite there are nothing to garantee the good care. In some holy texts, the prophet advised fathers to hit his children who refuse to pray starting from the age of 10. We today in 21th century living in modern societies should produce strict laws to prevent parents from abusing their powers to manipulate the willings of their children to be independant, including forcing them to satisfy all their needs and only give birth to children he can take care of.

[bakasabo]

Having children as an investment is stupid. You have children because you don't want to be alone. You want someone to talk to when you're old.
The truth is we eventually die, but there's a way to leave something behind. We leave a part of ourselves in our children. They keep all the memories and remember all the things that we taught them.

99% of children will cost you more to raise than they can ever give you back, simply because that's how time works. If you have a kid in your 30s, by the time he or she becomes financially stable you'll be in your 60s. How many years will you have in which you can really enjoy life, even with a lot of money? 10? Are you going to leave your kids with the thought that you were a burden to them in your last years?

I'd like them to enjoy life, do all the things that I wasn't able to do and not worry about me. I'll make sure I have enough money to take care of myself when I'm 60+ and let my kids start their families and have fun.

I think you are a very selfish person that does not want to change anything in your life. I bet you also wont get married (get married is expensive?), because that is unprofitable, second half can take half of what you had and you will have to spend money on second half until you die.

People dont bring children because they want to profit from it and not only to have someone to talk when they get old. Consider that children are emotions and great memories, what you will remember and replay in your head once you get old. Those memories will allow you virtually to go into past and live moments of your youth once again.

I feel like you misunderstood my post.

Why am I selfish? Is it because I don't recommend having children in hope that they will support you financially? Is it because I know for a fact that raising a child will cost you more than the child will ever be able to give you back before you die? That's unless you raise another Justin Bieber or some other teen star.

Yes getting married can be expensive, but I am married and have children. I won't ask them to support me financially though. They are going to have their own lives to look forward to, hopefully with no debt and no parents asking for handouts. Some people forget that it was their decision to raise children, therefore they as parents are responsible for their well-being, financial stability and all other things.

Now I feel that I have really misunderstood your post...Sorry

I thought that you dont recommend to have children, because 1) amount you spend on raising a child will never pay off and money can be spent more wise 2) instead of spending money on a child or raising a child, you would better spend it on yourself.

Wrong understanding was formed due to posts here, where poster say that children are expensive, and I am sure that those poster will buy or have latest mobiles, fancy cars and other expensive stuff. Such people already plan how they will buy something new, expensive, on a credit, but dont feel like they are going to have children, because raising them is costly.

[libert19]

Alot of criminal who has become a problem to society is as a result of frustration because the people who have birth to them were not fit to take care of their parental duties.

In most countries in the world filled with traditional societies, parents have no limits to treat their children in anyway they think it's right. Some of them think that humiliation, violence, are legit treaties with their children. I love in Islamic culture society and the Islam gave a lot of rules for children to well tteat their parents, but in the opposite there are nothing to garantee the good care. In some holy texts, the prophet advised fathers to hit his children who refuse to pray starting from the age of 10. We today in 21th century living in modern societies should produce strict laws to prevent parents from abusing their powers to manipulate the willings of their children to be independant, including forcing them to satisfy all their needs and only give birth to children he can take care of.

I like your comment, it's wild to me how much some people are brainwashed by their religions/cultures, you can see some comments in this thread too, I must add, I am no exception to this, but existence of Internet has kept me somewhat open minded.

[coupable]

Alot of criminal who has become a problem to society is as a result of frustration because the people who have birth to them were not fit to take care of their parental duties.

In most countries in the world filled with traditional societies, parents have no limits to treat their children in anyway they think it's right. Some of them think that humiliation, violence, are legit treaties with their children. I love in Islamic culture society and the Islam gave a lot of rules for children to well tteat their parents, but in the opposite there are nothing to garantee the good care. In some holy texts, the prophet advised fathers to hit his children who refuse to pray starting from the age of 10. We today in 21th century living in modern societies should produce strict laws to prevent parents from abusing their powers to manipulate the willings of their children to be independant, including forcing them to satisfy all their needs and only give birth to children he can take care of.

I like your comment, it's wild to me how much some people are brainwashed by their religions/cultures, you can see some comments in this thread too, I must add, I am no exception to this, but existence of Internet has kept me somewhat open minded.

In eastern societies, and almost in all third tier world countries, we suffered from family agression in a way or another. Couples get marry to have children, this is the main reason. Because without children the male has the right to divorce or to marry up to four women in islamic societies (except Tunisia). And they give born to children for two main reasons; one is to help for labor work (agriculture and construction) in addition to the security role. Two is as a part of their retirement plan, as children are required to take care of their parents when they will become older until their last moments. Even if this looks normal and logic, but it limits a lot of someone capabilities and ambitions to live independant to his family. In our societies, it's shameful for somebody to leave family home and move to another city. Girls are in much worse condition than boys, they can't chose but to live with their families brutalities from the house of her father to the house of her husband.

[libert19]

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I like your comment, it's wild to me how much some people are brainwashed by their religions/cultures, you can see some comments in this thread too, I must add, I am no exception to this, but existence of Internet has kept me somewhat open minded.

In eastern societies, and almost in all third tier world countries, we suffered from family agression in a way or another.

Yes, my family too was extremely toxic for my mental health, I am glad for crypto which allowed me to move away from them. Never been more happier.

...And they give born to children for two main reasons; one is to help for labor work (agriculture and construction) in addition to the security role. Two is as a part of their retirement plan, as children are required to take care of their parents when they will become older until their last moments. Even if this looks normal and logic, but it limits a lot of someone capabilities and ambitions to live independant to his family.

Such parents destroy children's lives, I pity children of such people.

In our societies, it's shameful for somebody to leave family home and move to another city.

Mine too but it's the only way. I advise people to be self-sufficient, independent, and RUN! You'll be glad you did.

Girls are in much worse condition than boys, they can't chose but to live with their families brutalities from the house of her father to the house of her husband.

Yes, I do understand that situation that very well, I am male but yes I do understand what you talking about.

[LDL]

As long as people are good parents, their financial situation shouldn't matter at all. I have seen very poor single parents raise the greatest kids ever, I have seen two wealthy people who leave their kids to nanny's and go do whatever.

So financial situation doesn't matter at all, it all depends on being a good parent or not. Most people are good parents, because it's a natural instinct, we love our children, so we try our best, not that many people are bad parents. Of course bad parents do exist, we have seen and heard examples all around the world, it is not impossible. But I am talking about majority, like 80% of the world become good parents, so that means not all of them are rich, because not 80% of us are rich.

I believed what you said 100% and it felt so good that I compared it to some of the lives around me and it was 100% correct. A responsible parent and a wealthy parent are never the same. Many parents may have a lot of money but may completely neglect their parental responsibilities. However, there are some parents who do not have money but are the best at fulfilling their parental responsibilities. There is a poor parent in my neighborhood who works as a daily wage laborer and has to run their family with the income they earn every day with great difficulty. But it is a matter of great joy that those very poor parents have educated their children and made them pass BCS. Whereas there are hundreds of such rich parents in the society who fail to fulfill their responsibilities towards their children. A parent's good mental attitude, not their money, is the best thing for their child in any situation. It's not that having money makes you a good parent; to be a good parent, you have to have a responsible mental attitude.

[xandry]

Poop people have more than 2 or 3 children and manage to survive.

funny typo...

Since my child was born, my salary has increased 2x, but my monthly income 2.3x. Being a father and wish to buy everything best for mu child motivated me for action.

It didn't happen automatically, right? You're talking about it like your boss is like, "Hey, bakasabo has a baby... I'll raise his salary several times." You've probably started working more and the stress level in your life has increased, right? Can you expand your thought?

[Despairo]

It didn't happen automatically, right? You're talking about it like your boss is like, "Hey, bakasabo has a baby... I'll raise his salary several times." You've probably started working more and the stress level in your life has increased, right? Can you expand your thought?

Make sense, people mostly said child are blessing etc, but it's because they're living with higher pressure.

However I also see people get more money because they have child, it's because they're selling sad stories. Many of them use their child to scam people, I have see a content creator that show they're living like a broke people, but they already have 100K followers and get endorsement/donations, the funny thing all of their contents are still same.

Which make me understand, they're not broke, but they either live like a broke people or use their child as a tool.

[El_Tammy]

What title says,

unless one is well off himself one should not be having kids, this is my opinion.

What about you?

I believe in God, and God said, “go forth and multiply,” so for me it’s just right to have kids.

Having children brings a different kind of happiness. It’s not just about yourself anymore, you become more selfless, you work harder, and you learn to be more responsible because you want to provide and prepare a future for them.

And honestly, we all owe it to our parents too. They chose to have kids, and that’s why we’re even here in this world. Same with you, you’re only here because your parents believed in having children.

You cannot believe in God and then start giving birth to children when you are not financially stable. No you don't
Yes the Bible said "go forth and multiply" but do not forget the same book stated that "whoever will not work, let him not eat" which means you should be ready to work even if or when you believe in God. God isn't just coming to feed this children when you don't make any effort to improve on yourself.

You giving birth to a child when you know the current state the economy is not so favourable and your purchasing capability isn't enough just because you believe in God is like bringing the child into the world to suffer. You shouldn't even think of doing that my friend

There was a day my had a deep conversation with my mom and we talked about children. My response was " I'll never give birth to a child unless I've got my home well arranged, capable to sort out my bills without stress, stable source of good income and got 10 million naira somewhere without any plans attached to it. Then will I think of birthing a child because I can't give birth to someone into this economy without being prepared. I can't afford to stress my child and that's just it.
My parents did everything good to see I got a nice life and I want to do even more than that for my kids so for the greater good, they should wait till things get better to my taste.

[WatChe]

You're right having kids does not necessarily mean that you must be rich before you can meet up the requirements, even though some people may be thinking that before giving birth that One must be Rich but that's not the fact. Moreover I have seen some rich people not taking good care of thier kids I mean in terms of discipline while some of this Rich men can't even enroll their kids in a more decent school but most of this people that claims to be poor can even do better than this rich people, sometimes I still keep wondering how most people define Rich. For me being rich is when You're feeding very well paying your bills by your own self without asking any body for help, even if you don't live in a well furnished apartment or building but so long as you are able to provide all your needs you're rich.

There are rich people who just enrol their kids in boarding school and think that there job is over as they are paying monthly heavy fees. This is not the only responsibility of parents. Me as a father love to see my kids at home, when I come back from office. In my view everyone must have kids at least 2 but heavy too many kids means you won't be able to give proper time to all of them. That aspect must be kept in my mind, if someone is thinking of too many kids. Every child need proper attention of his parents, make sure you have kids that get your adequate attention.

[xandry]

In my view everyone must have kids at least 2 but heavy too many kids means you won't be able to give proper time to all of them.

Looking at this figure, I understand the need for government birth control. If we imagine that all people will multiply by two in each generation, then this will lead to overpopulation of countries.
By the way, in China, it was recently allowed to have more than one child, I hope that they will be prudent and not cause an explosion in the birth rate.

[Anayochukwu]

What title says,

unless one is well off himself one should not be having kids, this is my opinion.

What about you?

From economy perspective, having kids and raising a family should be only according to how far an individual can afford. I see people having five to seven kids and leaving them to raise themselves alone and risking their whole future, I really don't blame anyone that chooses not to have kids because having kids is a lot of responsibility that requires steady income and if you are not financially stable the last thing you should be thinking about is having kids. Indeed children are blessing from God but we shouldn't misuse that blessing, it is only a selfish person that gives birth to more than four kids without a steady income to take care of them.

[lizarder]

unless one is well off himself one should not be having kids, this is my opinion.

People's perspectives may vary, some believe that those who don't have money shouldn't have children first, but others think differently. There's nothing wrong with each person's perspective, as they are the ones who understand best, although sometimes that can't always be maintained. I'm a simple-minded person; having children isn't a big deal even if you don't have much money, as long as we're willing to try, there's always a way to earn money.

In a religious context, perhaps we need to examine our respective beliefs, as children should also be categorized as a blessing from God, so blessings aren't always just about money. Health, a good life, and a harmonious family are also part of God's blessings. Being grateful can bring us far greater benefits than constantly complaining.

[Alpha Marine]

If such calculation would really work, people would never have babies. Imo, having a baby or not should not be valued from if I could effort  to have a baby or not. Poop people have more than 2 or 3 children and manage to survive. Some millionaires cant handle expenses on one child. You can still have a child and earn one minimum salary. It will be difficult to raise, but your child will love you anyway, if you have one minimum salary or 3x. If you dont earn a lot, it just means that you not buy new or top class accessories, toys, clothes.

This is such a wrong way to see things. Children are completely the parents' responsibility. If you can't provide the basic things like good food, a conducive home, good clothes, good education, protection for that child, and every other thing that child will need to live a happy life, you shouldn't have a child. Children are not a gift from God; Children are a result of something. If you don't put sperm to fertilise the eggs of a woman, she won't give birth. It's simple Biology. If you plant a corn seed in good soil, it will grow; that's simple biology, not a gift from God. So if you don't have the means to take care of that child, don't bring him into the world because he would suffer so much for something he did not ask for.

You're not doing that child a favour by bringing him into the world, it's yourself who did the favour because it's you who chooses to have something. It's like going into the dealership and getting a car, for example, you didn't do the car a favour by buying the car, you did yourself a favour. I see many people say that kids should be grateful to their parents for bringing them into this world, while it should be the other way round. Parents should be grateful a kid came into their life and they have to provide that kid with everything he needs including love and care.

I meant well-off = enough means for a comfortable living — is that too much to ask?

It's not too much to ask. That is the barest minimum in my opinion. A child doesn't have to come into a world he didn't ask for, and then suffer for another person's actions.

[STT]

then this will lead to overpopulation of countries.

This is not the case globally, I do think some areas may be overpopulated but overall the world is still mostly empty.   Its not about absolute numbers but efficient usage.  China is efficient in many ways, they deserve much praise especially recently but the one child policy was not anything that has done them good.
  China as a nation wont suffer the burden of a growing population, their young people dont want to have children as they grew up alone & this is not an unfamiliar after effect of such a policy.

  China has a falling working population, they had better better be amazing at AI and many other techniques to make up for the short fall or cannot expect to regain the great growth they had at the start of this century.

[JoyceBTC]

What title says,

unless one is well off himself one should not be having kids, this is my opinion.

What about you?

I believe in God, and God said, “go forth and multiply,” so for me it’s just right to have kids.

Having children brings a different kind of happiness. It’s not just about yourself anymore, you become more selfless, you work harder, and you learn to be more responsible because you want to provide and prepare a future for them.

And honestly, we all owe it to our parents too. They chose to have kids, and that’s why we’re even here in this world. Same with you, you’re only here because your parents believed in having children.

Yes it is right to have kids and God said we should go and multiply but that does mean one should start having kids when they are not capable enough to Carter for them. Before you start having kids, you should atleast be able to earn enough to take care of them, so they won’t come and suffer.

Secondly when having kids, you should make sure you give birth to the number of children your income will be able to take care of, you should be able to still live comfortably with your family after having a child or children. Not earning very low Income and you’re having 5 to 6 children you’re not able to take care of. I believe everyone should cut their coat according to their size.

[Nothingtodo]

In my view everyone must have kids at least 2 but heavy too many kids means you won't be able to give proper time to all of them.

Looking at this figure, I understand the need for government birth control. If we imagine that all people will multiply by two in each generation, then this will lead to overpopulation of countries.
By the way, in China, it was recently allowed to have more than one child, I hope that they will be prudent and not cause an explosion in the birth rate.

In our country, birth control laws have been enacted long ago but they have not been strictly enforced in practice. We have heard the slogan of not having more than two children, one is better, since childhood, but so far this slogan has not been implemented in our country. In various countries of the world including China and Japan, strict laws are made on birth control and their people follow them very well, but in my country, people are not obliged to follow any birth control laws. That is why the population in my country is constantly increasing.