Re: "Want to be middle-class? Don't have kids."

In article <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, Lenona321
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> I think the only reason for having kids in a crowded world - even if
> you're rich - is that you can't bear the thought of life without them. (He was
> referring to adopting children, but I think it should be  the same for all
> parents.)

Certainly. There's no "need" for kids. I think people still haven't
caught up to modern life (defined here as access to safe birth control
since 1960 or so in developed countries) and that becoming parents is a
choice. I think people should only have kids if they are called to
parenthood, like being called to the religious life or something. It's
absurd to do it because "You're supposed to" or "It just happens" or
"That's what marriage is for."

Without doubt, having kids is the worst financial choice one can make,
if one is looking only at finances.

Ilene B childfree by choice