That is sad, so different from when my wife and I were young. We had a child in our mid-twenties despite being poor, and we didn't care (middle of the Carter regime). We were happy and got by until things improved. Our daughters did the same, having children despite trying to get by, and have steadily improved their economic situation. Children don't necessarily need money, but they do need love and attention. I can understand postponing if that can't be provided.
Hubby and I weren’t even middle class when we had our first, but we did have three things going for us that these kids don’t:
1. Hubby had a stable job with a steady paycheck. (There was *some* money to manage)
2. Medical Insurance
3. Hubby earned just enough that I could stay home with the baby.
Now my SIL has insurance with the Reserves, but is still looking for a job. Once he gets a job, his paycheck may not be enough and my daughter will probably have to work, too.
She wants to be a SAH homeschool mom, so that’s not going to fly. (”I’m not having kids so somebody else can love and raise them!”)
Once my SIL gets a job, they need to pay off some debt and get a little in an emergency fund. (Plus have the security that this job is *really* going to stick.)
My son just dropped out of the workforce to return to college. He hasn’t had a girlfriend in almost a year. (”What’s the point? I have nothing to offer a woman right now. Like I’m even close to being able to support a wife. Why have a relationship?”)
Depression. Desperation. Panic. Disappointment. Grief. Fear of the future. Feeling hopeless and useless. Bitter.
That’s our kids’ generation.
Both of my kids are rock-solid conservatives and they are both determined to vote. My son is praying for an energy boom so he can put his mechanical skills to work. (He’s been talking about leaving the country to find work if things don’t turn around within the next three years.)