Debt Problems - Is it irresponsible to have children when the couple is in debt?

Is it irresponsible to have children when the couple is in debt?

I have seen several examples of couples in serious debt trouble planning and then having children. Is this not an irresponsible behavior? Shouldn't the couple try to solve their debt problems before they have children so that the child can have all the opportunities and priviliges that a child should have?

Public Comments

Yes it is. It is also irresponsible to have kids that have to go to public schools, they are a failure.
In an ideal world then yes, but really a lot of people have debts, so why should they not be allowed to have children because of that? It's not the way I would do things, but it is their life so their choice
If you are unable to financially, physically or emotionally raise a child in their best interests then it is probably the least fair and responsible thing you could do in your life to bring a child into the world. Be very careful judging people on the appearance of their wealth or lack thereof though. It can get you in some tricky spots when you find that appearances were decieving
Simple answer, no. Children are a gift from God. It's not irresponsible to have children just because you don't have money. Money and responsibility have nothing to do with each other. I know plenty of rich people who are totally irresponsible when it comes to their children. And I also know PLENTY of poor folks who raised 6, 8, even 10 kids with little to no money.
well i think that it can be seen irresponsible in some peoples opinions. But if they have planned this baby and if they are good parents, then i think thats the priority here. then again it is not wise to have kids when u cant even pay for themselves, let alone another person. But also by the time these couples try to solve their debt, it could take years... as i said before, if they are good parents, then they wud do anything in their power to support this child in anything and provide for all its needs. It is up to the couples on what they do, but everyones situation is different.
Depends on the type of debt. If they have just bought a home and have a mortgage, I wouldn't consider planning a family to be irresponsible. If, however, this is an overspending debt (credit cards, bank loans for holidays, etc) then, yes indeed, they need to develop some financial maturity before they commit to rearing children. Children are a very expensive proposition at the best of times.
It would be wise for the couple to work out their financial problems to better provide for their child, however having a child is not necessarily irresponsible. People get by and make ends meet with children, along with many other responsibilities every day. It depends on priorities and sacrifices. That couple might just have to work harder.
I think so.
All children need is love. Some of the worst parenting in the world is done by people who think money fixes everything. The children grow up with a twisted view on life and don't appreciate anything.
If a couple is religious then the answer is no it's not irresponsible to have kids in debt. Because religious people live on faith so financially circumstances really don't play a role in decision making. I understand what your saying but I also understand people who live on faith. Think about all of the great people who came from poor homes compared to the awful kids who came from wealthy homes. Just because a kid doesn't grow up in a financially stable home doesn't mean that kid is not happy, well fed and well raised. Jesus was born in a manger to a poor family and people laughed at him when he said he was the Messiah because he was poor. So my question to you is was God irresponsible for getting a young and poor woman pregnant? I know the answer and your answer to my question should answer your question. It's not about the amount of money your parents have it's about the amount of knowledge and love your parents have. The best case scenario would be to grow up in a financially stable home with spiritually stable parents. This is not always the case and who are we to judge anyone. Because if we are the type to judge the people your speaking about then we were not raised in a good manner because we are breaking a commandment by judging these people. Peace and love to ya