The economy is so shitty that only the ones who can afford to not work can afford kids (the very poor or the financially sound). The average person isn't willing to work three jobs to feed the family, so they just don't have kids. not as many marriages today ether. but if you manipulate the number just right, it looks like a good thing.
Boomer dad here, changed plenty of diapers, went to many many games/matches/concerts/shows over the years from having four kids. I look around and see coworkers missing important events of their kids' lives, and am reminded how glad I am to have made the choice I did. I worked a few years longer than if I'd made my career my #1 priority, but retiring at, say, 57 vs. 60, my youngest would've been in college, and I'd still have missed a huge part of what I consider important.
Plus, I know my kids' friends, many of my kids' friends' parents, and they know me. Parents who don't let their kids stay out after a certain time do let their kids stay at my house for a bonfire because they know what's happening and what's NOT happening.
Plus, I know my kids' friends, many of my kids' friends' parents, and they know me. Parents who don't let their kids stay out after a certain time do let their kids stay at my house for a bonfire because they know what's happening and what's NOT happening.