Quote:
Originally Posted by Tapioca
Most of us on here are pretty privileged so it's easy to look at the decision to have children strictly in financial terms.
Despite the narrative that people here seem to parrot (i.e. that having children is bad) I will never question the desire of people to have children. There is never really a perfect time to have children in your life... many people who waited for ideal circumstances often miss their chance. Having children builds up resilience and encourages a growth mindset - things which are healthy to have.
If you're willing to pay $2X00 for a 1 bedroom basement suite in East Vancouver, wouldn't it make sense to pay the same amount for a newer above-ground apartment somewhere else in the Lower Mainland? Quality of life becomes way more important as a parent.
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I don't question the desire to have kids at all, I've met some ppl who absolutely love kids and would be amazing parents. We also have friends who I had presumed to be bad parents and they have been absolutely AMAZING and makes me feel embarrassed as a parent.
That doesn't change the fact that if you had already loved the kid before even conceiving the little guy, you would consider whether if you can provide them the basics in the environment they live in, and or like you said, make changes to make that happen.
Some ppl though, their line of work and lifestyle might not allow them to move to the suburbs. I'm on Victoria Drive, and there are a lot of ppl that rely on the N20. There were news before that the N buses are so crowded that people can't get on. The N19 goes to Surrey Central, and realistically it's not far east enough to make a huge difference in rent. That means if they have a late or overnight job in the city and can't actually afford a car or can't take the car, it doesn't leave them with a lot of choices.
I was making coffee and wife was making tea, and was just chatting with her about this. She brought up new immigrants. Which is a valid point as there are a lot of Middle Eastern and Mexican immigrants renting in the Fraserview area. She said I am way too critical and some of these ppl are either transitioning or actually trying and making sacrifices so they can bring a better life to their kid(s) from where they were.