What are your opinions on bringing children into a seemingly troubled world?

Question

My question addresses a concern for the low birth rates in western countries. My husband and I were listening to a discussion of this two days ago. It seems that the conclusion reached by one writer on this subject is the lack of optimism about the future is a prime motive driving this unfortunate circumstance. Only a return to our traditional western cultural values, I believe, will turn this tide. Our constant accommodation of foreign cultures at the expense of our own has disheartened our young people to the point that they believe that their American culture is somehow a pox on the world, when in reality it is the world's finest hope. I feel as though my generation has been mostly responsible as we have become too focused on chasing the treasures of this life rather than protecting the treasure that is our God given freedom and the values of personal responsibility that includes. If we as individuals and our Nation can turn back to these values, I think that feeling of worth and optimism will be reborn and, with it, the bright outlook that makes people confident about having children and growing a future. ♥ ∞

Read something similar to these thoughts at this link: http://www.jerustar.com/info22.htm

Answer 1

Try looking at the dilemma from a larger perspective. The world will always exhibit a certain level of uncertainty. Yet it keeps turning, day after day.

Culturally, we do have a lot to offer, but we also have a lot to learn. Most Americans don 't realize it, but this is a very ethnocentric country. We tend to see anything contrary to what we're used to as alien, even wrong. The benefit of our culture is that it's not indiginous. It's a mixture of many cultures, each with a tiny contribution.

Answer 2

No Cold War, no Smallpox, relatively low levels of starvation and most natural disasters attract substantial international help.

But you think the world is troubled.

And I think you are confused.

Answer 3

The troubled world is one of the reasons I'm not having children. If I wanted children, I would adopt one or two who are already here and need a good home. I do agree, however, that we need to return to our morals and values of the past. As nunya points out, we have created a welfare state that rewards irresponsibility and punishes those who wish to work and better themselves.

Answer 4

My motto: "Don't have children unless you have the financial means intelligence, and support network to give the child a viable chance."

I firmly believe there should be a test and licensing process in place.  This would help prevent a lot of undue hardship, over population, and many other ills created by poor decisions, lack of forethought, and lack of commitment and responsibility.

Answer 5

Birth rates are decreasing, but I don't think it has much to do with decreased optimism and the abandonment of traditional "western" values. People are waiting longer to have kids and and many are without healthcare. That alone will cause many to have second thoughts before reproducing.

Answer 6

Sparky, this same issue came up frequently in the 70's.  It is a personal choice, of course, for couples, but I had children and I cannot imagine a world without them in it.  Perhaps that is selfish because my children and grandchildren make my world better, but they also make the world better for others.  I think that is the hope in having children, that they will make the world a better place, our country a stronger country.

Answer 7

The world has always been troubled.  It's no different now.  I never have understood why people think the world was so great in the past.  Anyone with decent knowledge of history can tell you the truth is far different.  Therefore, I don't really see a problem brining a child into the world.  What's so different now?

The world is not overpopulated.  Certain areas of the world are overpopulated, but not the world as a whole.  There are whole areas of the United States where human presence is barely felt by nature, especially out West.

Answer 8

While reproduction is an individual right - it is something that requires much consideration and responsibility.  Too many people have children they can't afford, or simply have children because they think its what they should do.  It takes a very special person to be a good parent - and we just don't have enough of them today.  

So whether we are using a bleak future as a reason for not procreating, or looking at the world's population....I say its a good thing.  We need to have people think long and hard before they bring new life to this world...rather than follow through on biological urges!

Answer 9

Strangely enough "foreign cultures" are more likely to have traditional family roles and more children than westernized cultures.  Ther American culture has a 50% divorce rate - which is the highest in the world.  The situation is that modern life is very expensive from education, housing, and health care, and those of us who are working hard are really struggling to keep up with the pace of inflation.  I am shocked whenever I get to the grocery store checkout to see my bill rising higher and higher.  

In Europe the government makes accomodation to help mother take a leave of absence at their work place.  They even get help at home in the first few months.  Additionally education is basically free and health care is not the Catch22 game it is here.  If the government was less business-loving and more people-loving our family situations would improve.

Answer 10

I agree with the Equalizer.  If you can't feed them, don't breed them.  The possibly declining birth rate among the middle and upper class is probably offset by the seemingly endless supply of lower-class that pop out babies indiscriminately.  I know I'm going to take heat for that remark, but can you dispute it?  And it has nothing to do with race, before someone pops out that accusation.  I have know many of all races do it.  I've worked with people of several different races tell me "I'm getting welfare money from my babies so I'm going to have more to get more welfare money."  What motivation do they have not to?  The government is paying for their healthcare, their food, extra food for the kids (WIC), and their housing.  What a deal!

Answer 11

The human race should seriously consider lightening up on all the chid births in this world because overpopulation is destroying our planet.  The animals are going extinct too.

Although I agree with your general point.  Basically, somethings have gotten better, but at what cost?

The guy who said your "confused" is an example of people who note the things which have gotten better, while conveniently overlooking the great challenges of our time.  I think hes the one whos confused.

Answer 12

In 2007, the American birth rate hit a 35 year high. New social policies and tax cuts would encourage people to have more children.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...