Keep a separate account for having a child for your elders, for the marriage, and for old-age support
- Moderate value
- Evidence C
- Saves money
- Free
- Takes minutes
- Some willpower
In plain words
That other people hope you will have a child can count as one of your considerations. But the time and money are recorded on your own account. "Raising a son to provide for old age" (养儿防老) should be counted as a separate item, because it bets on another person's finances and willingness twenty years from now. Also write down the consequences of not having a child, and compare the two sides.
- Cost
-
Free; it costs one serious conversation. The hard part is saying things out loud instead of going around them.
- What you get
-
The reasoning is the same as §10. Other people's expectations can count as one of your considerations. But the costs go on your own account, not on theirs. "Raising a son to provide for old age" in particular should be counted as a separate item, because it assumes another person's finances and willingness twenty years from now.
- Notes
-
Write down "the consequences of not having a child" too, and put it next to "the consequences of having one" to compare. Writing down only one side is not doing the math.
- Evidence grade
- C : The author's experience or common practice, without direct literature.
- Sources
-
- The author's experience; no direct literature
- For a similar analysis, see §10
Translated from the Chinese original. Original book, section 18, tip 6. Content may be out of date and rules differ by place. When you actually deal with an agency, a doctor or a court, follow what local officials, doctors and lawyers tell you. Disclaimer