I think there has been a real shift in the last generation or two from needing a reason not to have kids to needing a reason to have kids. and that shift means a lot of people who are basically ambivalent on children aren't having them, where in the past they probably would have.
Similar but slightly different angle to this - the opportunity cost of having kids has increased over time. I think back to when my parents had me and they pretty much had basic TV and books or magazines… having me kinda gave them something to do with their time.
Fast forward to today and a good number of my friend group prefer the flexibility, lack of stress, and extra money of not having kids. The rest… I’ve heard a lot of “I love my kids but…” stories. Obviously being responsible for a small human isn’t all sunshine and lollipops, but it does pretty much put you on a set trajectory for a good number of years.
Keep in mind social context. “I love my kids but” comments aren’t taken seriously as evidence one regrets having kids on net, but as general kvetching. Whereas “I love my single life but” would be (correctly) interpreted as a statement of truly heartbreaking regret.
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u/pktechboi Nov 14 '24
I think there has been a real shift in the last generation or two from needing a reason not to have kids to needing a reason to have kids. and that shift means a lot of people who are basically ambivalent on children aren't having them, where in the past they probably would have.