Are children a good investment?

I sometimes think about my children as being an “investment”, but not in financial terms. We invested time, energy, love, and yes, money. We are so proud of our children! The “returns” can’t be quantified.

As long as they return home in the evening.

Biggest raise I ever got was when my teenage moved out on his own

Yes.

I’m probably the least likely person to opine on this subject, but here goes.. from much of what I hear, children are a good ‘life investment’. ‘Financial investment’, maybe not so much. The cost of bringing a child into the world, child care pre-K, all of the activities and costs raising them, and then the cost of college are all obviously huge. It looks like the USA is evolving to provide more assistance to families with these costs (which will have interesting effects), but it’s still a major financial commitment. I honestly get anxious thinking about having kids, and I envy those who just do it (no pun). Still, having a solid financial foundation and long-term plan is critical.

I was a good investment for my parents.

I don’t like this question. I don’t think everything in life should be viewed in economic terms.

I used to ask myself this question a lot but more from a financial perspective. For me, children are poor financial choices. However, for every other reason, I would always pick having children over any choice I could possibly make in life. They are hard, expensive but there is nothing better than seeing them grow and become great members of society. Not a grandparent yet, but I can’t wait.

I just returned from a trip to California to see my son and his family. While we were there my son’s father-in-law passed away, at 91. Seeing his five children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family come together to support their mother, and each other, reminded me of the importance of family, and inter-generational responsibilities. I know I’m biased, but the world is a much better place with my sons (and their families) in it.

The only really worthwhile investment with guaranteed returns. Those grandkids are one heck of a dividend too.

I do not think about children being a good or bad investment. For me, it is kinda as an obligation to be a parent, partly due to family expectation.

Absolutely! What else are you going to do with your time and money? Another cruise? A really fancy dinner? C’mon. While children can be difficult at times, grandparenthood has a 100% satisfaction rating based on my informal survey. There’s only one way to become a grandparent: first become a parent.