shades fills you in

More and more are saying they won’t have kids. Pew says it’s 44% of Americans under 50!

The Atlantic thinks the pandemic scared many of them. Lockdown parenting was insanely tough, and people noticed

A poll from Morning Consult thinks it’s because of climate change -- 1 in 4 childless adults say the climate played into their decision

So should you have kids? There’re a lot of things to think about, says Stanford Magazine -- like ethics, hidden costs, and the Earth

“Don’t have them,” says IOP Science. “It’s actually one of the worst things you can do for the planet”

This NYT Op strongly disagrees: The climate is better than many people think -- having kids isn’t immoral, it’s a powerful investment in our future

And this climate scientist thinks it doesn’t matter, we only have a few years to solve the climate crisis anyway -- we should focus on reducing emissions, not how many babies we’re having

Investopedia says kids are expensive, too -- $250k over 17 years!

But The Financial Times reminds us that population decline is terrible for the economy. Plus, if we stop having kids, who will take care of the elderly?

And Fox News says even if you’re selfish about it all, you get a lot in return -- kids lower your blood pressure, keep you sane, and rekindle your thirst for knowledge... They even make you sexier!

Theparentcue is also pro kids -- they’ll fill your heart, make you laugh, and take care of you when you’re old!

Psychology Today says slow down! You’re not “having a kid”, you’re raising a person -- if you aren’t prepared for at *least* 18 years of commitment, don’t have one

This writer for The Guardian is certain: Her freedom is too valuable, and kids destroy your social life

Yeah! And some parents seriously regret their choice, says Macleans. Most of all, they mourn the childless, independent life they never had

But the flip happens too. This psychologist deeply regrets not being a dad. He’s lonely in old age, and desperately craves a family of his own

And Big Thinks says the naysayers are fighting biology. Your body and mind are hardwired to desire children, it’s simple evolution!

A Guardian cartoon is okay with kids, as long as you live many full, interesting years before having them! Then, parenthood can be your “second life”, and you won’t have regrets

Still on the fence? This parenthood therapist says ditch the pro-con list and go with your gut; it’s usually right

Looking for some personal stories from parents? Here’s a really honest Reddit thread on parenthood