Housing Bubble - Massachusetts (Boston, Worcester: health insurance, crime, loan)

[Whatsnext75]

'And good, fertility declines, fewer people have children and fewer children are born. This is a bonus for society.'

I agree with this as well. I know a handful of people with 4 kids, one even has 5. They all got married in their 20s. Ive been suprised by a few of my friends who went for a 3rd child in their late 30s though.

[jayrandom]

Originally Posted by timberline742

They're smart. People shouldn't get married that young. Finish school, get established in a career path, live a bit, date around and find the right person. The divorce rates for people 30+ with college education plummets. It's not surprise and getting married when still a child in one's 20s is generally ill advised.

I think part of the problem is that people consider someone in their 20s to still be a child. Certainly the people who think that way shouldn't be getting married or having kids, but if you've graduated college (or college equivalent) and have a steady job there are a lot of biological advantages to having kids in your 20s.

Another big advantage is that you'll be young enough to really enjoy life post-kids. My parents had two kids by 22 and were able to work internationally guilt-free in their 40s and 50s.

[Whatsnext75]

Yes there are pluses and minuses to both situations...people are living longer but women still just have a small window really in when they can have children. Seems like 20's is too young for many people these days especially living in the boston area where you want to finish school and get your finances together first. Then by waiting it does seem strange to be 46 or 47 with a 10 year old. My mom was 34 when i was 10. My DH will be 52 when our youngest is 10.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by jayrandom

I think part of the problem is that people consider someone in their 20s to still be a child. Certainly the people who think that way shouldn't be getting married or having kids, but if you've graduated college (or college equivalent) and have a steady job there are a lot of biological advantages to having kids in your 20s.

Another big advantage is that you'll be young enough to really enjoy life post-kids. My parents had two kids by 22 and were able to work internationally guilt-free in their 40s and 50s.

Well mentally people aren't adults until their mid 20s. The brains aren't fully formed until 25. And indeed, while reproductively an adult (usually around 13!), the bodies aren't fully formed either until mid 20s.

And while there may be biological advantages, their are financial, lifestyle, and experience disadvantages. You have college, then work for a bit, than grad school (some people go right to grad school, but that's just flipping the order) and then often moving around for job opportunities. It's pretty uncommon to be in a place to even properly look for a life mate until early 30s. Then you have to get lucky and find one.

If you're getting married in your 20s the likelihood of divorce goes way up.

[robr2]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

The marriage rate among Millennials is dropping like a stone. Only 26% marry before age 29. The economic reality for the working class is that you need to get married to someone with at least your income level and stay married.

The last time I looked a few months ago, it looked like it would take about $90K of household income to buy a starter home that needs some TLC in a GreatSchools 7 town. $70K lands you in a GreatSchools 5 town and continues the socioeconomic self-segregation.

Last time I checked, marriage wasn't a requirement for people to live together, buy homes together, have a family together.

I take the greatschools rating with a grain of salt. IIRC, it uses only MCAS test scores to rate schools. And you always note that students do well when parents are involved so IMHO, greatschools can be over rated.

[semiurbanite]

Originally Posted by Whatsnext75

Then by waiting it does seem strange to be 46 or 47 with a 10 year old.

To most people around here that is the norm, nothing strange about it if you ask me. My late 20s and early 30s were an awesome time for my wife and I - kid free we lived in several countries and traveled like crazy. Feels like it was a dream now.

[Shizim]

agreed. was well into my 30s before we had our 1st. it allowed us to travel, do things spur of the moment, and enjoy each other before we became parents 1st and then a couple.

[Whatsnext75]

i think some people push the limits with when they can/should have children quite honestly. I think women should stop at 42...but that's a whole other thread.

[sal1181]

We where both 23 when we got married. Had our daughter at 27 and now I'm due with my second next month and I'm 34. Been married 11 years and have no regrets about getting married at 23.

[sal1181]

Originally Posted by Whatsnext75

i think some people push the limits with when they can/should have children quite honestly. I think women should stop at 42...but that's a whole other thread.

I would say stop before you are 40. I want to make sure I'm around for my children for a while.