Vilatus - wow at 17 the guy was already that worried about having kids?!? It's interesting, the stereotype always seems to be that it's baby-crazed women pressuring men into having kids, but I've come across many men that are baby-crazed too. I guess it's easy in a way when you don't have to be pregnant, suffer post-partum depression and body changes, breastfeed, etc. Plus mothers always seem to be judged more than fathers.

Even if I wanted kids, there is no way I would have wanted them in my 20s. To me that was time to get to know myself, grow into adulthood, have some fun, not to be tied down taking care of a baby. I have several younger cousins who at 25 have 2-3 kids. There is no way I would have wanted that sort of life.

The financial thing is a big issue too. I have had some ups and downs career-wise, so I have never really felt that I could economically have a child if I wanted one. I wouldn't be able to save money for a house, retirement, etc.

We know a couple where he had a good banking job and she stayed home with the two kids. One is autistic, so for her to work outside the home would be tough. They can't leave him with a babysitter, even; he runs away. Anyways, the husband lost his job and was long-term unemployed. He had a side-business that brought in some money, but not nearly enough. They pretty much depleted their savings and were starting to get into debt before he finally found something. Employment insecurity these days means that even if you think you are financially stable, there are no guarantees it will last.