Who looks after you when you’re old?
I just finished reading on a web site called Belle on line. This site is dedicated to the childless lifestyle. They don’t want your post if you take a different viewpoint. I take a different viewpoint. First, I was born a member of the working poor. I am now a member of the middle class which is a world of difference. I got married right after 4 years in the Navy. I got a job right away and got my wife pregnant right away. For the working class that’s all there is, work and family. When you’re poor there are programs to take advantage of such as food stamps and Medicaid. Thanks to Medicade my last child cost nothing in hospital or medical bills. Another advantage to being poor is if you divorce, there’s not much they can take from you in child support. So, my advise is to have your children and your first divorce when you’re still poor. Then you can set about educating yourself (with Pell grants and loans) and start your career.
I didn’t have children so they can take care of me. Worst case scenerio one of my three daughters or one of my 7 grandchildren would do it. I did not settle in New York State, where I grew up. I settled in Florida. There were 4 siblings still living in the area. My father had my mother to take care of him. When my mother widowed, she lived alone. There was always a son or daughter to help with shopping etc. As for myself, I am very independant and expect to die right at home as my previous wife did. At 65 I eat right, excercise and take the advise of my doctor. I do some things to keep my mind active. One thing I do is work as a part time postal clerk. Another is I play Scrabble on line or with my wife. There are also alot of things to do involving the computer.
Another thing I would recommend is long term care insurance. I don’t expect to ever need a nurse but if I do I’m covered. My daughters should never have to take care of me that wasn’t why I had them but here’s a note to you childless people. My daughters have given me more love and happiness than I deserve. It is also comforting to know that my DNA will continue for years to come. I would never deny anyone the right to be childless, but isn’t that a little selfish? These folks probably wouldn’t make good parents anyway.
Phil 