[Turbopilot]

It appears parents are delaying children not so much as a lifestyle choice, but because a rational analysis of the time and money needed to raise them properly shows that they are not yet ready.

I know that in my case, even with the most optimistic and aggresive plans I don't think I'll have the financial stability and security needed for kids before I'm 30 (and we'll see about the maturity :-p). I don't have the heart to add up how much my parents spent on me over my lifetime.

[Antoninus]

It appears parents are delaying children not so much as a lifestyle choice, but because a rational analysis of the time and money needed to raise them properly shows that they are not yet ready.

Any "rational analysis" of this subject will almost always tell you "not yet" because you are influenced by pure self-interest and you can't begin to imagine how having children would enrich your life--until you have them.

The following fact should play into your equation: If you don't have children and neither do your peers, your future will be run by the progeny of those who do.

Think about it...

[steve-b]

It appears parents are delaying children not so much as a lifestyle choice, but because a rational analysis of the time and money needed to raise them properly shows that they are not yet ready.

Yes, when they make reckonings based on what's left to them after half their income is confiscated to take care of the kids of irresponsible layabouts who crank 'em out without bothering to ponder those issues first....