[waboremo]

>adjust your expectations

That's just another way to say they're inherently expensive. If they weren't, why are you adjusting your expectations?

I do think we exaggerate greatly how expensive kids are, for the most part the "exchange" is in time and not money. However, they are still a noticeable cost especially in countries with not great support systems.

[willcipriano]

> for the most part the "exchange" is in time and not money.

I agree. If you can have one person stay home kids are pretty cheap. My wife won't stay home, but if we could swap salaries I'd do it myself in a heartbeat.

[Aeolun]

Kids aren’t inherently expensive. The only thing they really need that you cannot provide without already being set up for it (a farmer) is food.

Everything else (sports, school, toys, etc.) is expectation.