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Why do you guys on here bash others for their viewpoints? I don't understand it. I've never interacted with people as intolerant in my life as people on here are. You guys act like your viewpoint is in the majority or something, when it's really not. Must be the animosity.
Just because you make a statement doesn't mean we all have to agree with you. Your (or anybody else's) opinion is not above criticism.
To answer the question no, I have always wanted two kids and I hope that still comes true.
It is no secret that the economy sucks and is making people cut back on things they thought they needed. One thought that some of us younger folks are throwing around is foregoing having a spouse or kids at all. It is no secret a family is very expensive in even good times. Add in the possibility of losing a job or rising insurance and cost-of-living increases and you have real stress.
The fact is that is cheaper and less stressful to only have one person to worry about given the employment situation in many parts of the country today. When balanced the utility of having a family with the expense and uncertainty some may decide it isn't worth it.
So anyone rethinking a family with a current economy?
If you find the right person to marry, it shouldn't be that bad. Have a bad marriage and then divorce will cost you much more than having a great marriage with one or two kids.
Location: Huntersville/Charlotte, NC and Washington, DC
26,700 posts, read 41,753,896 times
Reputation: 41381
Quote:
Originally Posted by ucbrian
If you find the right person to marry, it shouldn't be that bad. Have a bad marriage and then divorce will cost you much more than having a great marriage with one or two kids.
I'm childfree and my views haven't changed. I often find that people who think that those that do not want children are unhappy with their life hence throwing out the selfish card.
I agree with redvelvet709 though, it is sad and selfish to not want children.
I would have to disagree. I think it's selfish to bring children into a world with both parents working, yet still struggling to make ends meet. Struggling to put food on the table, pay for rent or a mortgage, or medical expenses will cause an immense amount of stress, thus making the environment your children live in an uncomfortable one. Maybe a family will pull through the tough times, but more often than not, homes become broken. When I was really young, my father had to work three jobs to support us. My mother worked part-time. They barely made ends meet and this was during good economic times (1990s). Were it not for my grandparents, we probably would have been homeless for a period of time. Having children when you can't afford to will make you a burden on other family members or the government. Fortunately both my parents have had good jobs for years now, but I'm sure the financial burden of supporting my younger brother and me is still high.
As for me personally, I have no interest in having children. I simply have no desire for such a lifestyle. It's mentally, physically, and financially draining. Sure, I might change my mind, but right now the thought of having children is not appealing. I would rather be financially secure. I can get my social fix from my (large) family. If anyone in my family falls on tough times when I'm older, I'd be happy to help them. My decision not to have children would put me in the position to do so. There's certainly nothing selfish about that.
Last edited by ilovemycomputer90; 03-23-2012 at 09:42 PM..
Location: Huntersville/Charlotte, NC and Washington, DC
26,700 posts, read 41,753,896 times
Reputation: 41381
I'm not surprised that the two biggest objections here are from Southern states, not that I am one to talk living in Kentucky.
I just paid my bills. I have $40 left in my account. And this is from supporting only myself. I graduate from college in May and I hope to find more lucrative employment. I want some things like a new car and TVs that work better than the ones I have. I also need to update my work wardrobe. For the time being it is hard supporting just myself. I could not imagine having to support a whole family at this point.
I'm not surprised that the two biggest objections here are from Southern states, not that I am one to talk living in Kentucky.
I just paid my bills. I have $40 left in my account. And this is from supporting only myself. I graduate from college in May and I hope to find more lucrative employment. I want some things like a new car and TVs that work better than the ones I have. I also need to update my work wardrobe. For the time being it is hard supporting just myself. I could not imagine having to support a whole family at this point.
So you are in your early 20s? What is your degree in?
Location: Huntersville/Charlotte, NC and Washington, DC
26,700 posts, read 41,753,896 times
Reputation: 41381
I wanted to added a new facet to this discussion. I just started a new job in Virginia and I signed up for medical insurance. I got a good plan for not that much. I looked at the options and prices for those with kids and/or spouses. The CHEAPEST plan was at least $300 per month!!! I may even be more economically justified in not reproducing or having a family.
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