Is having kids holding parents back from the good life?

Pew Research collected answers from a large group of folks who didn’t have children concerning life satisfaction, and the results were important in explaining the growing trend of people choosing not to have children.

Interesting results¹:

• The number one reason that adults don’t want to have kids is because “they just don’t want to”. After diving into that statement, it appears that they don’t want to have kids because life without kids is perceived easier to participate in hobbies and maintain a higher financial mode of living.

• Women without kids earn more than mothers in the workforce, while men without kids earn less than fathers.

• Not having kids increases the likelihood the adult completes higher education, especially among women.

• Adults without children average higher wealth and savings than their predecessors.

Why it matters

Deciding whether or not to have children is not one that I take lightly. It is a large responsibility, a financial burden, a time burden, and carries great social cost.

In the face of those challenges, I have found raising children to be extremely rewarding. Though it has been good for me, it may not be good for everyone.

That said, data points like the ones in this story matter for a couple reasons.

1. I think we have lost some of the societal joy of having kids. Their seems to be a growing sense that children are a barrier to personal happiness. But there is something deeply human about raising kids and being part of a community with kids. There is so much learned, so many skills developed, so much relational equity gained by being in a community that supports families.

2. Our economics vary greatly depending on birth rates, death rates, immigration, etc. If you are someone who is watching markets, elections, and cultural trends then these data points greatly influence forecasts.

3. Kids have long been a part of what brings an adult human meaning in life. This discussion changes dramatically if we are entering an age where kids are not a natural “next step”. As a pastor, that matters. It is not acceptable for me to assume everyone to have kids, and therefore how I guide people finding purpose is changing.

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1  https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2024/07/PST_2024.7.26_adults-without-children_REPORT.pdf