Six Reasons Money Shouldn't Stop You From Having Children

Many social media personalities and vloggers talk about why they choose not to have children. For example, in her YouTube video “9 Reasons to NOT have kids,” SagaJohanna shares her reasons for avoiding parenthood. Her top reason is simple: “You can’t afford it.”

Johanna says, “Our generation has less money saved, more debt, and houses are more expensive compared to our parents or grandparents' generation. Cost of living is rising, and everything feels kind of expensive now, right?”

This message likely resonates with many young people today. Afterall, statistics show that debt is at record highs, with student loans, car loans, and high-interest credit cards adding up.

But let’s think about this financial argument. Are children really just another expense in our budget? Society often makes us believe that, especially with the huge industry built around babies and children. We’re told we need the latest baby monitors, cribs, car seats, bottles, toys, and even special trash cans for diapers. Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest also influence our ideas about what having a baby should look like. With all the financial pressures from loans and debt, it can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to believe that having a baby is just too much.

​The main point is this: Don’t let money stop you from having children. Here are six reasons to consider having a baby (or another one!):

​1. Our bodies are meant to have children when we’re young.

The current social movement is to enjoy your 20s and 30s before settling down and having kids. But the reality is, if you wait until your finances are perfect and all your debts are paid, you might find you’re too old to have children. As you get older, it becomes harder to get pregnant and to give birth. God made our bodies to have children when we’re young, so it’s wise to take that opportunity.

​2. Your priorities will shift once you have a child.

There’s no doubt your priorities change after having a child. Even something simple like eating out becomes different. When my wife and I were first married without kids, we often went downtown to our favorite restaurants. But once we had children, those pricier date nights turned into visits to more affordable, kid-friendly places. Our priorities shift as we adjust to the costs and logistics of eating out. And certainly, these changes go beyond food and affect many parts of your life as a couple.

​3. Your financial situation will change after you have a child.

​Dave Ramsey often talks about fathers by comparing them to hunters who go out to the wilderness to kill something and drag it back to the cave for their families. While it’s a somewhat graphic image, it shows that when you have children to care for, you find a way to provide. 

I have counseled dozens of couples, some with children and some without. One thing I’ve noticed for every couple, whether they want more children or their first child, financial health becomes a top priority when planning their family. Children become the “why”. Children motivate parents to change their habits and priorities. If you need to change jobs to support your family, do it. Your children are worth the effort.

​4. Children will cost less than you think.

The USDA says the average middle-income family spends $233,610 to raise a child to 18. That sounds terrifying until you realize that same child will motivate you to earn an extra $500,000+ over your career (Georgetown University). Kids aren’t line-item expenses; they’re actually an investment with a “return on investment” (ROI) that’s hard to beat. 

​5. You still have time to pay off debt.

​If you’re worried about your finances and debt, that’s understandable. Debt can keep you from doing everything you want. But remember, you don’t need a lot of money to have a child. After the first three to six months, most couples can get back to paying off debt if they stay disciplined and avoid the pressure to buy extra things.

And yes, I hear the concern about daycare costs. While the cost of childcare is a legitimate concern when both parents are working, there are ways to reduce those costs. You can dive into those ideas in our blog article 8 Ways to Reduce the Costs of Childcare.

6. God calls us to have children.

​God made us to have children and told Adam and Eve to do so.

​“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and and increase in number; fill the earth and and subdue it. Rule over the the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:28 (NIV)​

God gave the first couple everything they needed to raise their children: food, water, shelter, and love. God’s command was generous. “Fill the earth” is very different mindset than having no children.

​Conclusion

It’s always good to plan your finances and make a plan before having a child. Meeting with a financial counselor to prepare for a baby is a smart move. While having a baby may require significant, and even painful, priority shifts in your financial situation, you will be eternally blessed for doing so. Children are one of the greatest gifts and blessings from God. Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” (NIV)