For Some, Babies Take a Back Seat in a Recession

The economic downturn has succeeded in curtailing yet another ingrained American pastime ⎯ having children.

The Los Angeles Times recently reported that an increasing number of middle-class American families are deciding to postpone starting a family, or adding to their family, due to the economic crisis.

Baby boom and bust cycles do typically overlap the nation’s economic health; economic downturns often precipitate a drop in the U.S. fertility rate.

While there are still those who prefer that Mother Nature decide when they’ll make the celebratory announcement, young couples who may be saddled with new student loan debt and low starting salaries may have trouble taking care of themselves, let alone a new baby. For couples like these, the decision to delay parenthood until the economy improves is one that could ensure that parenthood, when it comes, will be more enjoyable and less stressful.

If you’re a parent, did you consider your own personal finances, or the general economic climate, before deciding to have children?

Tags: effects of recession, recession

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