Why are People Having Fewer Kids? Perhaps it's because they don't like them very much

Reason ^ | February 26, 2008 | Ronald Bailey

[Night Hides Not]

At this time next year, he will be attending New Mexico Military Institute...

That one slipped by me...

[rellimpank]

-—when the little darlings cease being necessary for agricultural help, they become less fun-—

[Aggie Mama]

JMHO, I don’t think it’s possible to truly understand what love is until you’ve had children. I think this is especially true of understanding God’s love for us.

[Marie]

IMHO, when given a choice, people tend to have less kids when they feel secure that the ones they do have will live to see adulthood or that society is thriving enough that the next generation is assured without their contribution. When a couple feels pressure from war, famine or disease, they instinctively have more kids. (The Baby Boom.)

A society under pressure, in "survival mode", tends to cut through the BS. Homosexuality and abortion are not tolerated as much as in a society that's thriving and children are highly valued.

In many ways the very things that disgust us conservatives, are indicators of wealth, security and contentment.

This theory has one important exception. Women won't have as many children if they don't feel that they have supportive mates; IE: Russia. But they WILL have babies without mates if they have a supportive society; IE: the welfare system. They'll have MORE children if they have a supportive system and still feel the pressures of poverty. (That takes me back to my main point.)

Just my humble theory.

[org.whodat]

Of course, it makes you look shallow and self-centered.

That statement is typical stereotyping BS, sounds like something a liberal would say.

I would much rather people, who do to want kids, not to have them, than the scum you find having them and killing them.

[B-Chan]

Our son is a helluva lot of work. He poops a lot, he needs constant attention, he makes a huge mess wherever he goes, and when he’s ill (he has pneumonia right now), all productive activity stops. He has peed in my face, vomited in my mouth, and kicked me in the balls more times than I can count. He is one year old.

This has been the best year of my life, and I wouldn’t trade him for anything.

[mad_as_he$$]

The cat ruling class has noted your position.

[angcat]

see my tagline :0)

[SC DOC]

Why are People Having Fewer Kids?

One Reason ;>)

[MrB]

Leftists don’t understand, and ignore

the fact that people DO RESPOND TO INCENTIVES.

They are consistently surprised when they use socialism to alleviate the consequences for a negative behavior, and see more of that behavior occur.

At least some are. Others know full well that they are creating more of a problem that will need them in power to “solve”.

[xsmommy]

cats are only good for zotting threads, they are not meant to be pets ; )

[Digital Sniper]

I respect the decision of those who choose to remain childless (whether by birth, adoption or foster care). That they put their own wants ahead of all others shows that they are not fit to be parents. At least they haven't screwed up a child's life before understanding their lack of parental capability.

As for me and mine, I cannot imagine life without children. The smiles, the giggles, the butterfly kisses and velcro hugs, the sleepless nights when they're sick, the ouchies that can only be fixed by a mother's kiss, and the hope and joy they give and receive each day is what makes every trial a cakewalk and every joy a miracle.

I'd have a dozen of 'em if I could afford it. :-)

[mad_as_he$$]

Also noted...

[listenhillary]

I have zero and one by marriage but my siblings have more than made up for me with 19 total. (I think I counted all of the noses)

[Paved Paradise]

You said a mouthful. And if the Dems get in the White House, it is going to get far worse.

[Paved Paradise]

I understand what you mean. I have just one son. We went through some rough times in the teen years but he is now a productive citizen. My only heartbreak is that he and his wife do not look like they are going to have children and they do not attend church (I think that there is a direct link with church and people having children).

Anyway, I wouldn’t change anything either. He is a conservative politically and he makes me laugh. He is one of the funniest people I know. He is a joy and adds a lot to my life.

[Alberta's Child]

Actually people today have more children than ever before. Unfortunately, this is the end result of that stupid "it takes a village" mentality in which productive, law-abiding citizens are expected to provide financial support for thousands of people in addition to their own kids.

I would make the case that 70% of the U.S. population is comprised of real children and overgrown adolescents who are perpetually in need of a nanny state to keep them alive.

[Paved Paradise]

I got a big kick out of your post. I hope your son is well soon.

[Digital Sniper]

Guh...I know of which you speak. I have a colleague whose spouse bought into the whole hippie "let the child set the agenda" bullhonkey. And for their trouble, they have a 4-year-old who still isn't toilet trained and is fixing to grow up to be a perfect little sociopath. And these were the people who hounded me to pledge that I would never spank our child. Took everything I had not to reply, "I'm sorry...you're in no position to lecture anyone on good parenting."

[Cicero]

Sounds like some of our kids. Enjoy it, because soon enough he’ll be a teenager.