Giving Birth to Babies Is Not a Favorable Option for Young Couples in Hong Kong.

1016 Words5 Pages
Throughout recent years, there has been a substantial change of opinions regarding marriage and parenthood. Presently, the birth rate in Hong Kong is plummeting swiftly and the average number of offspring in a single family dwindling from two to one or ever none. The situation reflects the inclination of many young couples that advocate not having children or putting off child bearing to a later age. However, there are still many young couples opt to have children. This essay examines why giving birth to babies is not a favorable option for young couples in Hong Kong. A number of people believe that financial considerations are driving forces for young couples to decline having a child. Logie [1] points out that money plays an important role when considering having children or not. Hamilton [2] shares thesame view that a child may be a financial burden to young couples. Starting from the very beginning, part of money is spent on going to hospital frequently for check-ups and attending pregnancy workshops or various similar courses. Once the child was born, money needs to be paid continuously on articles for daily use. Moreover, there are also expenses on academic including books and joining extra-curricular activities. All these are too demanding for most young couples. In addition to financial difficulties, time is another element that hinders young couples to give birth to babies as they need someone to stand by twenty four hours to look after them. Hamilton [2] presents evidence to show how babies occupy their time, especially when couples are deciding to travel and even going out for dinner in a high class restaurant. Kong [3] also indicates that babies require couples to devote all their time and attention which often leave them less time and freedom for their own entertainment. Apart from time constraint, having children is emotionally

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