To wonder if people will think more carefully about becoming parents after this?

[OrangeSlide]

Do you think that now people have seen that the shit can hit the fan and they might be solely responsible for the well-being and education of any children they bring into the world, in particular without practical state support in terms of schooling, people might be less inclined to have children?

I wondered this at the start when schools closed and I’ve thought about it more and more as the situation has progressed.

No I don't think so, I think the people who carelessly/thoughtlessly have kids will continue to do so without much planning.
I suppose it may effect some people who plan properly for their kids futures.. but I don't think the schooling thing will come into it as they'll all be back to school soon.

There is usually a baby boom following a pandemic

No, because there are no particularly logical reasons to have children. If the decision was based on a pro/con list no-one would ever have them.

No.

I watched a bbc horizon programme about these type of events becoming more frequent, so it is possible that this type of thing will happen again. Maybe AIBU, but I have wondered...

@TinyPigeon 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

y
serveral friends have decided not to have children now. they were weighing it up begore this all happened but its tipped them into the "no" camp. its not just about the schooling though but more the "shit world" they would be bringing kids into.

Pearl-clutchers balanced out by lockdown shaggers

Yeah, I’d never have had my kids if I’d known I’d have to homeschool them for three months. It would have been a total dealbreaker.

Pull your judgey pants down out of your tight arse dear.

What a childish comment. Is it really ‘judgey’ to recognise that not everyone who becomes a parent should do?

@OrangeSlide

Do you think that now people have seen that the shit can hit the fan and they might be solely responsible for the well-being and education of any children they bring into the world, in particular without practical state support in terms of schooling, people might be less inclined to have children?

I wondered this at the start when schools closed and I’ve thought about it more and more as the situation has progressed.

OP you are making an assumption that most people plan parenthood and have thought it through.

Read through most posts here and you will see that this isn't the case for all.

I gave birth to our second child a week before lockdown and have had a newborn and a toddler with me ever since. I mean they've tested my sanity a lot, especially since DH (Farmer) has been very very busy, but honestly I've just loved being at home with them both.

I was considering another baby in a few years but this pandemic has put me off. It’s more the fact that we have had epidemics before but now a pandemic.. what bloody next?!

The absolute instinctive protection you have for your children is overwhelming. I don’t know if I could cope with the worry of feeling that for another child. The worry is very intense and actual scary things happening is enough to put me off. There’s less of a ‘what if’? Now and more of a when and what.

No, that’s daft.

Mine were planned.
I did expect to deal with normal childhood illnesses, did do genetic testing and we are saving/preparing for the costs of higher education.
Did not, of course, think of a pandemic. (!) Me and my friends are past childbearing, but I can see how this would affect many people's decision about family. Not the education bit, perhaps, but their ability to support children...

No, it won’t be a consideration.

We have 2 dc’s and lockdown has been wonderful for our family. Lots of time together, long walks, 3 meals a day at the table, no distractions, no rushing and aside from what we want/can do, no real planning.

Not everyone has had a negative experience. We are still working in our wfh jobs, doing some home schooling and enjoying time together. It’s been positive and time that we are thankful for.

I am too old to have more children, but this has made me feel that I would have had one not three, and I would have gone back to work rather than being SAHM. Life feels scary and insecure and I have lost all the work I had due to mixing working for myself providing a service to care homes and a few hours in childcare settings which are probably no longer viable. I think those years I spent at home and working in part time roles have left me in a vulnerable position now, despite being a graduate and having numerous other qualifications.

My much loved DC are adults now and of course I don’t regret having them and loved being with them, but I think I would make very different decisions now.

My theory throughout lockdown has been that there will be a massive spike in births in about 9 months time.

There's been fuck-all else to do in lockdown!

It's a very valid question. I'm too old now but I can see how all this would have affected those who plan, rather than just have by 'accident'. No judgement meant as it's nature. Pandemics may be a sign of things to come and it would put me off certainly but that would apply to other life changing decisions also.

Irresponsible people will stay irresponsible. Even in a global pandemic people will have children they can't afford/support.

Reproduction is the most basic thing there is.

People reproduce in all sorts of circs.

Tell you what. Maybe your energy would be better spent considering the impact on women around the world who have had their access to contraception and abortion curtailed

www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/03/coronavirus-crisis-may-deny-95-million-women-access-to-family-planning

This will result in a lot of unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion (with the harm that results in), and consequences for women and girls who have become pregnant as a result of abuse/ rape.

I feel that this is a more pressing issue by far.

What do you think, op?

Well, if we’d known DH was going to die aged 37 we probably wouldn’t have had DC.

Lockdown’s been exhausting but those DC make my life worth living, every day.

God no! December - March next year will be full on baby boom. I know of two lockdown conceptions as it is, and I'm sure there's many more in the offing.