Take The Plunge And Have Kids If You Want To

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.

I believe she is right for the most part.  Although some couples are wealthy and could easily afford to have children, many of us may feel overwhelmed when we count the costs of raising a child, not to mention all the sacrifices we would make.  It is important to plan ahead and save for future family responsibilities, but we shouldn’t allow ourselves to become paralyzed and let time pass until it’s too late.

Although my husband and I still don’t feel like we are ready yet to take the plunge, I do hope that we don’t let ourselves wait too long and then have regrets.  It is important to make sure that we have some extra savings tucked away for when our DINK lifestyle comes to an end, but for now, I just want to enjoy this way of life while it lasts.

For those of you reading this who really want to have kids right away but are hesitant due to finances, take my friend’s advice and go for it.  Just like many others before you who couldn’t really afford it, they somehow survived, and so can you.  After all, who truly can afford to have kids anyway?  But the rewards of having kids will outweigh any financial stresses that you may face, or so I’m told.