Right now my husband and I are what you would call DINKs (Double Income No Kids). So far we have been enjoying the freedom that comes from not having children. It is nice to just be able to spend time with my husband and to be able to sleep in when we want, and to take long road trips and sleep in a tent or in the car along the way. We know that our lifestyle will have to significantly change when we have kids.
Although the DINK lifestyle is fun for a while, I don’t think I would want this forever. There’s something about having kids that makes your life more whole, more meaningful, at least in my opinion.
I think the reason that so many married couples in North America don’t have kids right away is due to the hefty costs of raising a child. Most of us think we have to save money for a few years first. My friend who is expecting for the first time, told me that no one is ever ready to have kids, and that no one can ever afford to have kids, but that you just have to go for it. According to her, you will never feel adequately prepared emotionally or financially to have kids, but if you want them, you have to just take the plunge.