Put it down and walk away

[Teakafrog]

catholicexchange.com/2009/01/19/115154/

I just read this article, and I think everyone else should too.
Send a link to everyone you know. This is too important to ignore.

How do YOU feel about kids? I think that co-creating an eternal soul with God is the most important thing we can do in this lifetime. I certainly don’t think they “cost too much”. In fact, God has provided financially every time we’ve actually needed something for the kids (not necessarily wants, but needs). We’re praying that He blesses us with more.

 

[Calliso]

It;s a interesting article that makes some good points I guess. As for how I personally feel about children. Well for the most part I like kids…as long as they are fairly quiet and well behaved. As for having kids…I do sorta desire to have them…but the reasons I have for not having any kids far outweigh any I have right now for having kids. Course my husband jokes that when I hit about the age of 32 I will change my mind. He is pretty neutral on the subject of having kids…he neither wants or does not want them. But once again it;s a good article. But personally for me…kids are not my calling.

 

[ChristinaM]

In the days before 401k accounts, pension plans and retirement homes, having many children was seen as insurance for one’s old age. In these unstable economic times, when the rate of return on financial investments is plummeting, will we start “investing” in children again? Unfortunately, I think more families will postpone children indefinitely or go “childfree” since the economy is bad.

 

[Calliso]

In the days before 401k accounts, pension plans and retirement homes, having many children was seen as insurance for one’s old age. In these unstable economic times, when the rate of return on financial investments is plummeting, will we start “investing” in children again? Unfortunately, I think more families will postpone children indefinitely or go “childfree” since the economy is bad.

I think the problem is is that kids aren;t really an asset anymore like they were in the past. And what do you mean by investing in kids? But yes the economy will likely make people postpone having kids and some will even become childfree like me. though my reason are not economic we can definately afford kids Butwith the economy being so bad…some people right now probably just can;t afford kids.

 

[ChristinaM]

I think the problem is is that kids aren;t really an asset anymore like they were in the past. And what do you mean by investing in kids?

What I mean is, seeing children as a treasure instead of a burden, just like the article says:

For thousands of years children were considered treasures and investments for the future — including eternity. Poor families tended to have large families because their children represented help and security. But in the last few decades it’s all about money. Nowadays, children are treated like siphons on the ledger sheet. Spending money on children leaves less for parents. For many couples, there’s a level of comfort and financial security they refuse to dip below. Pity.

Now, I don’t judge anyone. I’m sure you have your reasons for remaining childless. But for me personally, when I die and I see God face-to-face, I don’t want Him to ask me why I refused His blessing of children.

 

[Teakafrog]

I think the problem is is that kids aren;t really an asset anymore like they were in the past. And what do you mean by investing in kids? But yes the economy will likely make people postpone having kids and some will even become childfree like me. though my reason are not economic we can definately afford kids Butwith the economy being so bad…some people right now probably just can;t afford kids.

Which was the whole point of the article–how people are putting their own ‘lifestyle’ and ‘financial security’ ahead of having children. We certainly don’t have a lot of money, but where better to spend it? Besides, kids don’t really cost as much as most people think they do. Those articles you read about each child costing the parents hundreds of thousands of dollars are just baloney. Unless you want to spend that much, it’s ridiculous! The first one is the most expensive, because you have to get all the ‘stuff’, but you usually have plenty of baby showers and helpful family members giving you most of it anyway. Then most can be reused for several kids (clothing lasts forever for babies–they grow out of it before it’s worn out, so in great shape for the next one). Breastfeeding is free, cloth diapers are cheaper than disposables and last for several kids. If you cook at home, buy their clothes at resale shops or in discount stores, and don’t send them to Ivy League schools at your expense, kids are NOT expensive–especially compared to what you get back–a lifetime of love, and an eternity of knowing that you did your part to help populate Heaven!

 

[Calliso]

What I mean is, seeing children as a treasure instead of a burden, just like the article says:

Now, I don’t judge anyone. I’m sure you have your reasons for remaining childless. But for me personally, when I die and I see God face-to-face, I don’t want Him to ask me why I refused His blessing of children.

Well I guess if I am really refusing his blessings then I will have to face that fact when I die. But personally I am far more worried about the other things I have done in my life that I will likely judged for.

 

[Calliso]

Which was the whole point of the article–how people are putting their own ‘lifestyle’ and ‘financial security’ ahead of having children. We certainly don’t have a lot of money, but where better to spend it? Besides, kids don’t really cost as much as most people think they do. Those articles you read about each child costing the parents hundreds of thousands of dollars are just baloney. Unless you want to spend that much, it’s ridiculous! The first one is the most expensive, because you have to get all the ‘stuff’, but you usually have plenty of baby showers and helpful family members giving you most of it anyway. Then most can be reused for several kids (clothing lasts forever for babies–they grow out of it before it’s worn out, so in great shape for the next one). Breastfeeding is free, cloth diapers are cheaper than disposables and last for several kids. If you cook at home, buy their clothes at resale shops or in discount stores, and don’t send them to Ivy League schools at your expense, kids are NOT expensive–especially compared to what you get back–a lifetime of love, and an eternity of knowing that you did your part to help populate Heaven!

I agree that kids donlt cost as much as people say they do sometimes…and the hundreds of thousands of dollars thing might be kinda silly. But some people will struggle with that more then others. Not all will have friends and family to give them stuff even for the first. And not everyone can breastfeed either. Not to mention from what I hear hospital births can cost a fortune especially if the baby so much as sneezes after the delivery or if anything goes wrong after. I have no idea how much midwives cost thoguh but I am sure they aren;t free either. As for a life time of love yeah if you get lucky I guess. But it certain isn;t guarentee. And not to sound bitter or anything but there is no guarentee any of anyones kids is going to heaven either.