Kids too expensive?

The economy is quite the scapegoat right now. When anything goes wrong, prices go up or people make stupid decisions, everyone is quick to say, “It’s the economy.”

Well, add another to the economic hit list: babies.

For the third year in a row, the U.S. birth rate is in decline. The No. 1 suspect in the trend is the bad economy, researchers say.

I believe it.

Just this week I was talking with a friend of mine, asking her if she will have a third child. She said she would love to, but she can’t afford one. She would have to continue working part time to afford more kids. She would need a bigger car, and she had even factored in how much it would cost for an extra airplane ticket to visit family.

Her answer made me sad. If she thinks there are babies that should be coming to her family, finances should not get in the way. I’m not advocating for popping out the kids when you honestly can’t provide for them, but that’s a pretty rare situation.

For the most part, I think families could make the finances work if they truly want to. They can cut back in areas, live in a smaller home or take public transportation. What could be more important than having your children? There will never be enough money — whether you’re a student or a millionaire — but I’d hate to look back on my life and wish I had made the sacrifices to raise all of the children I wanted and was meant to have.

What do you think? How much should finances factor in the decision to have children? Do you think children are as costly to raise as everyone thinks, or is it possible to raise a family cheaply?

Erin Stewart is a regular blogger for Deseret News. From stretch marks to the latest news for moms, Stewart discusses it all while her 4-year-old daughter crams Mr. Potato Head pieces in her little sister’s nose.