Cost of Parenthood: $221,190

One, this is why America is in debt and two, thank goodness I’m not having kids (I rather buy a house or something else).

*shivers*

These figures are always complete nonsense. Due to child benefit etc… We’re actually BETTER off with kids than we were without.

And a lot of the figuring is done including stuff you’d be buying anyway, regardless of children. (Shelter for example.)

@Woogie – Shelter costs are likely not included (even at a very low estimate of $10k/year for housing, that’s $180k over 18 yrs). Perhaps they include some incremental adjustment for the increased housing costs for having a larger home, but definitely not the total. I am also betting food. How is it cheaper for the government to pay for the mother to stay at home? Cheaper for who?

@Babycakes – How does this show why America is so in debt? What percentage of your income do you think is reasonable to give to your children? According to those stats, the middle class is paying 12-22% of their income in child costs (ignoring taxes). As long as you have a reasonable number of kids then it isn’t an issue.

Somehow, I think this number is **WAY** too high. I don’t think Adam Carolla’s parents (or mine) spent $1000 a month.

This is exactly why my wife and I aren’t having kids…That’s a lot of vacations missed.

Also yet-another good reason (to add to my list) as to why I don’t want kids.

And wouldn’t it be nice if those of us who are childless didn’t have to pay for everyone else’s kids as well? Government programs for preggos… Schools… Its like child support without the benefit of sex first.

Seems high. Plus you definitely get a quantity discount. And you don’t have to come up with it in one lump payment. And in most cases, it’s worth every penny.

Looking forward to having kids! We already bought our house, just need to fill it

Eh, don’t worry so much! The government will just bail out some rich people and then our kids will pay for it all later.

@ OddNumber: This says “through age 18″ so DOES NOT include college tuotion and related costs, which are about $200,000 now from what I gather.

“To those selfish people that are patting yourself on the back for not having kids, the rest of society thanks you. No, really. The world doesn’t need more people like you.”

Actually, with overpopulation, having less kids/not having kids is probably better for society. The only problem is that the people who realize this, and who aren’t having kids, are the ones’ whose genes need to be passed on, while Cletus and his 8 kids might not be the best genes to pass on, as they are likely to have more kids, thus increasing overpopulation.

People aren’t stupid for having kids or smart for not having kids, its really a personal choice, as some people may have some genetic urge to have children stronger than others. Or maybe their genetic urge is weaker than their urge to want to travel the world or have more money/freedom.

Although society is dependent on continuing by having children to fill the older generations’ place, right now, I believe that the earth is near its carrying capacity, or at least its comfortable carrying capacity.

As for being selfish for not having kids, it could also be argued that people who have too many kids to support are not only being selfish by taking benefits from the government, but also making their childrens’ lives (thus “the future” of society) of poor quality because they are not able to raise them to be fully funcitoning/healthy/well educated members of society.

Any way, this is just some comment on a blog, I’m just sharing my thoughts on this, and I hope I don’t sound crazy

Statements like:

“I rather buy a house or something else”

“That’s a lot of vacations missed.”

“And wouldn’t it be nice if those of us who are childless didn’t have to pay for everyone else’s kids as well?”

Clearly demonstrate that those who flaunt being childless are doing it for the benefit of everyone. /sarcasm
The people posting *here* have made very materialistic and selfish statements that belie their self-centeredness. Do we need people like that raising children? No, so I’m glad they aren’t. Maybe my “die alone” statement was a little over the top, but it doesn’t make it any less true.

And I think it’s only fair to bring the wellfare burden of children into the discussion if the people I quoted above were saying “damn, I’m barely making it on my own, I could never afford that!” instead of, “Ha! More money for Buffy and I to jet off to Paris!”

I’m guessing that ByrdBrain (accurate name, eh?) is a follower of the Quiverfull movement.

It’s a pity the “troll be gone” doesn’t work against him.

This is exactly why they need to repeal child labor laws in the U.S. I say put them to work early! I figure from the time their born they already owe mom for nine months room and board.

The cost of a child? Good question, vast problem.
The life of a child in the USA or in Africa?
How much money bring back the parents in a life?
Are they paid exactly salary?
It is necessary that their bosses made profits.
Today, they speak of the ‘ tax carbon ‘! Pay for the expired air(sight)!
A sportsman or a labourer must he(it) be more imposed than an unemployed person?
Why no tax on them limp with beans?!