An increasing number of Chinese people now regard children as
more of a burden than a blessing, according to a survey conducted
by China Youth Daily last week.
Among the 2,685 people surveyed, 86.3 percent saw children as a
burden; 49.1 percent of women felt this burden was "excessive," as
compared to 41.7 percent of men.
59 percent of respondents said they have so far chosen not to
have children, "because of huge economic and psychological
pressures." The skyrocketing expenses of education, living, and
healthcare now drive family planning, the survey revealed.
"It is reported that bringing up a child in China now costs
490,000 yuan (US$64,755)," said a woman surnamed Jiang interviewed
by the newspaper. She revealed her spending as more than 1,000 yuan
(US$132) on health checks during pregnancy; more than 5,500 yuan
(US$727) on milk powder, fruit, and clothes; more than 2,500 yuan
(US$330) on baby products such as a cradle, bathtub, toys, etc.;
and more expenses for pregnancy nutriments.
"I am scared by all the bills, and thinking ahead to all the
additional costs of kindergarten, school, and university education
in the future," she added.
A woman surnamed Xiao said she felt harried by mounting family
duties. "I had a recurring dream where my baby cries day and night
so much that I can't eat and sleep well. In the dream I have no
time to take care of the baby properly and I don't trust the
nannies, either. I was so stressed I sought psychological
consultation and the doctor said I need to relax."
Of those surveyed, 58.1 percent are worried that they won't be
able to provide the necessary conditions for a child's healthy
growth. A woman identified as "Fei Fei" said children can be
categorized as "high-consumption commodities and are a lifelong
unprofitable business. If you are not confident of providing them
with good development conditions, you'd simply better not have
children."
About 39.3 percent said children were confronted with
competition from early childhood and this stress is transferred
over to the parents. "They have to face homework, examinations, and
employment, and these put tremendous pressure on parents as well,"
said a Mr. Ma, who works in a media agency.
A staggering number of parents surveyed (83.4 percent) viewed
children as a serious burden, while among people who haven't yet
had a child the number was even higher (87.5 percent). Zhao Liang,
a young man who was interviewed, said he was a faithful member of
the "DINK (double income, no kids) group," because "raising a child
involves so much pressure that it will influence the quality of
one's life."
Some 28.4 percent of those surveyed were torn between
concentrating on work promotion and having a child; 26.7 worried
children would "influence their romantic life."
However, even though 25.9 percent of the women agreed that
pregnancy would create distress and hardship for them, 65.1 percent
still said they would "absolutely have children," 25.5 percent said
"maybe," and only 1.6 percent said they "won't have children at
all."
Despite all the gloomy statements, 78.5 percent of the total
believe "a completely happy life must include children," even with
the burden. 28.7 percent said they place their hopes on their
children. Tian Tian, a computer program designer, hopes her child
will become a movie star in the future so as to realize her own
childhood dream.
About 48.6 percent people think children can make their marriage
more stable; 37.6 percent said they "get married and have children
under orders of their parents"; 22.2 percent commented that "kids
are so cute"; and 10.7 percent said they "bring up children to
provide security in old age."
(China.org.cn by Li Jingrong, July 27, 2007)