The High Cost of Raising a Child in China: A Growing Concern for Young Families

The fear of losing their jobs or being discriminated against after taking maternity leave is a substantial worry, and the lack of time and energy to devote to childcare is another major factor. As a result, finding a balance between the financial burden of having children and the demands of a career is a significant challenge that society needs to address. Furthermore, the rising cost of living, particularly in urban areas, has led to a decrease in the birth rate, as many young couples prioritize their financial stability over starting a family. A recent report highlights that the average cost of raising a child from birth to 17 years old is approximately 53.8 yuan, with urban areas averaging 66.7 yuan and rural areas averaging 36.5 yuan.

In comparison to other countries, the cost of raising a child in China is exceptionally high, with Australia, France, Sweden, Germany, the US, and Japan having significantly lower costs relative to their per capita GDP. For instance, the cost of raising a child to 18 years old is 2.08 times the per capita GDP in Australia, 2.24 times in France, and 4.11 times in the US, whereas in China it is 6.3 times. The cost can vary greatly depending on the family's location and lifestyle, with estimates ranging from 2.5 to 4 yuan for a frugal lifestyle in a third or fourth-tier city, 6 to 10 yuan for a middle-class family in a second-tier city, and 12 to 20 yuan for a high-standard family in a first-tier city.

To mitigate this trend, it is essential to implement policies that support working parents, such as flexible work arrangements, affordable childcare, and job security, to encourage young people to have children without jeopardizing their careers. Governments and society can explore corresponding support policies, such as providing childcare subsidies, improving education resources, and optimizing job security, to help young people better balance their work and family responsibilities. Additionally, society should strive to change traditional gender roles, encouraging fathers to take on more responsibilities in childcare and family life, sharing the burden with their wives, and jointly shouldering parental responsibilities. Companies and organizations can also offer more support, such as parent-friendly work policies, parental leave, and childcare support resources, to help parents balance their work and family needs. By working together, families, society, and governments can create a more supportive and inclusive environment, enabling young people to confidently choose to have and raise children.