Parenthood brings a unique and indescribable joy as you watch children and grandchildren flourish before your eyes. However, the younger generation faces a daunting predicament that leaves them grappling with a crucial question: can they even afford to expand their families?

Erin Hutchinson, a woman in her mid-30s from North East Melbourne, shared her upsetting reality.

She and her partner live together and work full-time, desperately trying to save enough money to have children. Nevertheless, she confessed that 'every time [they] get close to that goal, something comes along and just smacks [them] in the face'.

Erin's story isn't unique, but it is gut-wrenching. Image by RitaE from pixabay

'I grew up with three older brothers and always assumed I would become a mum,' Erin revealed.

'And as my age is creeping up and my savings are going down, it's becoming more and more apparent that it's totally financially irresponsible for me to have a child at this point.'

So, what's the issue? Middle-to-low-income earners are vastly impacted by the escalating cost of living.

'Any time my friends and I catch up, we all have the same discussion. We're all talking about working full-time, not being able to afford groceries all of the sudden, bills are going up, and there just doesn't seem to be an end to it,' Erin expressed.

The latest figures from the Suncorp Cost of Kids Report, covering 2016 to 2021, make it clear why people like Erin are feeling a pinch in their pockets.

With the cost of raising a rugrat soaring dramatically in recent years, a widening gulf has emerged between the aspiration of becoming a parent and the financial practicality of it all.

Erin is currently facing a tough choice—limiting herself to just one child, a decision she tentatively calls 'more sustainable’. Yet the possibility of having twins or triplets has her stressing a bit more, demonstrating the dicey nature of this decision for everyday Aussies like herself.

The escalating cost-of-living crisis might just put the brakes on her dream of raising a trio of kids. Image by 5921373 from pixabay

And Erin is not alone on this rocky boat. Research from Pebbl, a subscription service that delivers baby gear straight to your doorstep, has revealed some worryingly steep figures.

It turns out a whopping 34% of Australians believe the escalating cost of living makes it a near impossibility for young parents to afford the basics for a little one. On top of this, 14% feel they can't save up the cash needed to have a child, while 9% have put the idea of having a baby on the back burner.

Even more troubling, 6% have chosen to forego having kids altogether, all due to the crippling costs.

The study also indicated that 19% of Australians think catering for a baby would consume a substantial proportion of their savings. A further 11% believe having a child would push them into debt.

Key Takeaways

• A young Australian woman in her mid-30s is 'terrified' she won't be able to have children due to rising costs, a concern shared by millions of Australians.
• New research from baby-products subscription service Pebbl revealed that 34% of Australians believed the rising cost of living made it too hard for young parents to provide the necessary things for a child.
• The same research found that 14% of Australians felt they were unable to afford having children, 9% had delayed having a baby, and 6% had decided not to have a baby at all due to rising costs.
• A fifth of Australians (19%) said if they had to provide for a baby, it would consume a significant proportion of their savings, while 11% believed having a baby would cause them to go into debt.

Young Aussies are walking a tightrope as they juggle the tough decision of growing their families with the shifty sands of financial instability.

Pursuing the dream of parenthood has turned into a bit of a steeplechase, throwing into sharp relief how much the world has spun around for the younger generation.

So, where does this leave us—are we looking at a future where only the well-off can afford the 'great Aussie dream' of having a family? Are you a grandparent or are your children also worried about the costs of parenthood? We would love to hear from you.

 

[maxesmum]

I think,lowering expectations and reducing outlays is a big start. Going back to basics like our parents did. Forget child minding costs. Stay home and mind your own child. Wash your nappies. Sew and make your own baby clothes. Cook your own food,forget take out and fine dining. BE a parent. Maybe I’m a miserable old woman but seems to me that kids want it all but refuse to give up anything. Having kids is a privilege and you have to make sacrifices to ensure their well being. Yes,costs are spiralling but there are so many things you can do to combat them and still have the joys of children IF you are prepared to sacrifice things in your own lifestyle. There’s my humble two bobs worth and I’m sure others will think I’m mad.

 

[Gsr]

I think,lowering expectations and reducing outlays is a big start. Going back to basics like our parents did. Forget child minding costs. Stay home and mind your own child. Wash your nappies. Sew and make your own baby clothes. Cook your own food,forget take out and fine dining. BE a parent. Maybe I’m a miserable old woman but seems to me that kids want it all but refuse to give up anything. Having kids is a privilege and you have to make sacrifices to ensure their well being. Yes,costs are spiralling but there are so many things you can do to combat them and still have the joys of children IF you are prepared to sacrifice things in your own lifestyle. There’s my humble two bobs worth and I’m sure others will think I’m mad.

I totally agree with you. Most people these days have the attitude that they have to have everything, they don’t like to save money for things, they live on credit so they can keep up with the Jones as the old saying went. With free cash handouts (baby bonus) from the government (taxpayer), most workplaces giving paid maternity leave and government (taxpayer) funded childcare, if couples can’t afford to have children then maybe they need to downsize their wants to needs, they should then be able to afford to become parents. Most of us older generations managed to have children and bring them up without all the cash assistance given now, usually on one income. If people aren’t prepared to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate children then I don’t think they should have children as they would not be very good parents, there are enough unloved, abandoned, ignored children in the world already.

 

[Jennylolo]

I totally agree with you. Most people these days have the attitude that they have to have everything, they don’t like to save money for things, they live on credit so they can keep up with the Jones as the old saying went. With free cash handouts (baby bonus) from the government (taxpayer), most workplaces giving paid maternity leave and government (taxpayer) funded childcare, if couples can’t afford to have children then maybe they need to downsize their wants to needs, they should then be able to afford to become parents. Most of us older generations managed to have children and bring them up without all the cash assistance given now, usually on one income. If people aren’t prepared to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate children then I don’t think they should have children as they would not be very good parents, there are enough unloved, abandoned, ignored children in the world already.

100% agree.

 

[Jennylolo]

I totally agree with you. Most people these days have the attitude that they have to have everything, they don’t like to save money for things, they live on credit so they can keep up with the Jones as the old saying went. With free cash handouts (baby bonus) from the government (taxpayer), most workplaces giving paid maternity leave and government (taxpayer) funded childcare, if couples can’t afford to have children then maybe they need to downsize their wants to needs, they should then be able to afford to become parents. Most of us older generations managed to have children and bring them up without all the cash assistance given now, usually on one income. If people aren’t prepared to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate children then I don’t think they should have children as they would not be very good parents, there are enough unloved, abandoned, ignored children in the world already.

100% agree

 

[KSS]

I agree with GSR and Maxesmum. And you can add to that that 'basics' seem to have to include plush 4 wheel drive $1000+ pram, all new top range everything these days. As they said, lower expectations, and pick up really good second-hand baby equipment. The baby won't know any different so who are they trying to impress? Much like the same people more than likely put more store in an expensive wedding than a healthy marriage, so these would be parents are putting appearances before children.

My own parents had three kids under 5, my father used to give the neighbours a shilling on payday so he knew he could ask for it back 6 days later when the electricity meter ran out and they didn't have the money to put in it. You do what you have to do. Stuff doesn't matter, family does.

 

[maxesmum]

I totally agree with you. Most people these days have the attitude that they have to have everything, they don’t like to save money for things, they live on credit so they can keep up with the Jones as the old saying went. With free cash handouts (baby bonus) from the government (taxpayer), most workplaces giving paid maternity leave and government (taxpayer) funded childcare, if couples can’t afford to have children then maybe they need to downsize their wants to needs, they should then be able to afford to become parents. Most of us older generations managed to have children and bring them up without all the cash assistance given now, usually on one income. If people aren’t prepared to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate children then I don’t think they should have children as they would not be very good parents, there are enough unloved, abandoned, ignored children in the world already.

And they don’t get to whinge about not being able to afford them,either!

 

[SGH]

And start small, everything has to be bigger and better, why? You only end up with more to clean. You need to spend time on family not things, and definitely no electronics, especially for babysitting.

 

[Thecheesequeen]

Agree with all the above. But Rugrats? Really, SDC, be better than that. Children are precious little humans, and to call them Rugrats is despicable!

 

[Jennie]

Parenthood brings a unique and indescribable joy as you watch children and grandchildren flourish before your eyes. However, the younger generation faces a daunting predicament that leaves them grappling with a crucial question: can they even afford to expand their families?

Erin Hutchinson, a woman in her mid-30s from North East Melbourne, shared her upsetting reality.

She and her partner live together and work full-time, desperately trying to save enough money to have children. Nevertheless, she confessed that 'every time [they] get close to that goal, something comes along and just smacks [them] in the face'.

View attachment 22310

Erin's story isn't unique, but it is gut-wrenching. Image by RitaE from pixabay

'I grew up with three older brothers and always assumed I would become a mum,' Erin revealed.

'And as my age is creeping up and my savings are going down, it's becoming more and more apparent that it's totally financially irresponsible for me to have a child at this point.'

So, what's the issue? Middle-to-low-income earners are vastly impacted by the escalating cost of living.

'Any time my friends and I catch up, we all have the same discussion. We're all talking about working full-time, not being able to afford groceries all of the sudden, bills are going up, and there just doesn't seem to be an end to it,' Erin expressed.

The latest figures from the Suncorp Cost of Kids Report, covering 2016 to 2021, make it clear why people like Erin are feeling a pinch in their pockets.

With the cost of raising a rugrat soaring dramatically in recent years, a widening gulf has emerged between the aspiration of becoming a parent and the financial practicality of it all.

Erin is currently facing a tough choice—limiting herself to just one child, a decision she tentatively calls 'more sustainable’. Yet the possibility of having twins or triplets has her stressing a bit more, demonstrating the dicey nature of this decision for everyday Aussies like herself.

View attachment 22312

The escalating cost-of-living crisis might just put the brakes on her dream of raising a trio of kids. Image by 5921373 from pixabay

And Erin is not alone on this rocky boat. Research from Pebbl, a subscription service that delivers baby gear straight to your doorstep, has revealed some worryingly steep figures.

It turns out a whopping 34% of Australians believe the escalating cost of living makes it a near impossibility for young parents to afford the basics for a little one. On top of this, 14% feel they can't save up the cash needed to have a child, while 9% have put the idea of having a baby on the back burner.

Even more troubling, 6% have chosen to forego having kids altogether, all due to the crippling costs.

The study also indicated that 19% of Australians think catering for a baby would consume a substantial proportion of their savings. A further 11% believe having a child would push them into debt.

Key Takeaways

• A young Australian woman in her mid-30s is 'terrified' she won't be able to have children due to rising costs, a concern shared by millions of Australians.
• New research from baby-products subscription service Pebbl revealed that 34% of Australians believed the rising cost of living made it too hard for young parents to provide the necessary things for a child.
• The same research found that 14% of Australians felt they were unable to afford having children, 9% had delayed having a baby, and 6% had decided not to have a baby at all due to rising costs.
• A fifth of Australians (19%) said if they had to provide for a baby, it would consume a significant proportion of their savings, while 11% believed having a baby would cause them to go into debt.

Young Aussies are walking a tightrope as they juggle the tough decision of growing their families with the shifty sands of financial instability.

Pursuing the dream of parenthood has turned into a bit of a steeplechase, throwing into sharp relief how much the world has spun around for the younger generation.

So, where does this leave us—are we looking at a future where only the well-off can afford the 'great Aussie dream' of having a family? Are you a grandparent or are your children also worried about the costs of parenthood? We would love to hear from you.

All the comments are right, I agree with you all 100%

 

[Catherines]

I think,lowering expectations and reducing outlays is a big start. Going back to basics like our parents did. Forget child minding costs. Stay home and mind your own child. Wash your nappies. Sew and make your own baby clothes. Cook your own food,forget take out and fine dining. BE a parent. Maybe I’m a miserable old woman but seems to me that kids want it all but refuse to give up anything. Having kids is a privilege and you have to make sacrifices to ensure their well being. Yes,costs are spiralling but there are so many things you can do to combat them and still have the joys of children IF you are prepared to sacrifice things in your own lifestyle. There’s my humble two bobs worth and I’m sure others will think I’m mad.

No, I don’t think you are mad. It’s the present society of young people who seem to want everything that opens and shuts from day one. First make up a strict budget and stick to it. Then progress slowly getting the things you want. If you want children then you need to sacrifice your own selfish habits.

Definitely Children are expensive to have and provide for these days with everything going up so fast and I don’t deny that. Sacrifice is the key, and helps in its own way. Buy cloth nappies and ditch the expensive disposables. Not only are disposables very expensive for the quantity required but a baby or toddler does not know how to control their bladder and bowel movements, so they need changing more often. I only had cloth nappies for my three 53 years ago (& my daughter used cloth ones for her three also); every nappy in my day was lined with a flushable liner to catch the unmentionables which were flushed away. I had a bucket ready with Napisan, soaked wet and soiled nappies in it for the day, next day washed out those and made up a fresh bucket of Napisan. And the nappies were hung out on the line, in the sun, to dry. Disposables are contaminating our environment to unbelievable measures.

 

[oofie]

We had our children when interest rates hit 18%, only on a carpenters wage and I worked part time when hubby was home. We ate mince and sausages, never went out or ate takeaways. You have to sacrifice the ‘good things’. But if that sacrifice outweighs the joys of children then stick to your guns and stay childless but have the best of everything material.

 

[Catherines]

I totally agree with you. Most people these days have the attitude that they have to have everything, they don’t like to save money for things, they live on credit so they can keep up with the Jones as the old saying went. With free cash handouts (baby bonus) from the government (taxpayer), most workplaces giving paid maternity leave and government (taxpayer) funded childcare, if couples can’t afford to have children then maybe they need to downsize their wants to needs, they should then be able to afford to become parents. Most of us older generations managed to have children and bring them up without all the cash assistance given now, usually on one income. If people aren’t prepared to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate children then I don’t think they should have children as they would not be very good parents, there are enough unloved, abandoned, ignored children in the world already.

I agree with every word you, and most of the others on this forum have said. NEEDS SHOULD COME BEFORE WANTS. That way it will happen some day when you can enjoy your children and can then show them how to live - not show them how to WANT.

We got married almost 56 years ago, two children later had just enough for the deposit on a house (being built at the time,) paying interest of 14%, about $3 'Child Endowment a month' per child (not the thousands one gets now on the birth of a child and then kindy etc, subsidies for each child after that for some years); we only had my husband's income to manage on - I stayed home to look after our two children. Then 4 years later I had a third child; we still managed on just one income, didn't have a dining table for many years (ate at our breakfast bar), didn't have carpet on the floor (that came later when we had the money), I only went to work (part-time) when two of our children were in primary school and one in high school, dropping them off & picking them up myself and my husband was an engineer at sea for upto 4 months at a time. How did we manage then? - I'LL TELL YOU HOW - SCRIMPING, SAVING, BUYING WHAT WE NEEDED ONLY ON LAY-BY, NO CREDIT CARD AND NOT UP TO OUR EYEBALLS IN DEBT, THAT IS HOW.

And, just by the way, we still refuse to have a credit card - our money is from a debit account only, with no debts at all and no mortgage. I agree that prices have all escalated but the young people of today need to learn to "LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS" before you get heavily into debt, not after. Save now, don't assume everything will be OK in the future, because you could fall flat on your face.

Take a leaf out of your parents' and grandparents' books, young ones. They managed and so should you. If you think life is unfair to you now, then forgo having kids and don't whinge about the cost of things, groceries etc or try invitro fertilization at an astronomic cost when you are too old to have success. IT IS EITHER HAVE EVERYTHING NOW or have your children to love and nurture properly, going without as a parent. That's the role of parents.

 

[Jest]

in proportion to today i would say it has cost the same since day 0ne. you either have a bub or you don't, but prioritising is a tad too far.