[Loughla]

This is the paradox of the child in modern society.

In terms of across the board consumption, there is nothing as productive as a modern child. Clothes, consumable goods, travel sports, recreations, hobbies, and diversions all lead straight to the consumption that is so vital to our economy.

And yet, with sicknesses, evening activities, and other problems, there is nothing that disrupts an individual worker's productivity as a child.

I'm not sure I am smart enough to come up with an equation, but, it's in there somewhere to tell us whether a child is a net positive or negative influence on our Economy than the other.

[hgsgm]

That's only true under the orthodox economics misconception that consumption (destruction) equals value ("broken windows" theory of value).

The best economics can only tell you how to convert value into different units. It can't tell you what value is.

[bhouston]

> there is nothing that disrupts an individual worker's productivity as a child.

I have two kids and it isn't that bad at all. Very small loss of productivity for me except when I took parental leave for 3 months. I have grandparents that live nearby and they can help with sickness and other babysitting though.

[steve_adams_86]

I have a feeling a lot of people don’t have that kind of support network. I certainly don’t. If someone’s taking care of my kids, it’s me (or I’m paying them).

Just so happened that my family had to move for work, health, etc. I love raising my kids so it’s fine. It has been the equivalent of drop kicking my career against a brick wall occasionally, if I’m being honest.

[WeylandYutani]

My country quite literally needs every able bodied man or woman in the workforce. People with university degrees sitting at home raising kids is almost treason at this point considering it was the government who paid for their education.

[steve_adams_86]

Can I ask which country you’re in? That’s an interesting consideration when education is publicly funded like that. Where I am, it’s a bit of a both… Public money is a major factor up until post secondary school, then it’s part of the picture but there’s also substantial private tuition — especially for international students. I’m not sure anyone considers a duty to their country really, despite how much public money makes their education possible.

[jdkee]

Does your country face a demographic cliff due to a less than replacement fertility rate?