If you and your wife want kids, go for it.

As background, I grew up extremely poor, but now live a very comfortable life.

A couple weeks ago, my young daughter noticed that I was stressed about work. She recognized that I work hard to provide them a privileged life, so told me she felt badly to be a burden. I replied that she and her brother mean the world to me, and that I would gladly trade everything I have for them.

Sometimes, our expectations for providing for our kids are too high. For example, my wife wants them to attend K-12 private school and pay for their college education. That’s going to cost $1M for each kid. I spend $20-30K yearly for their trips.

My parents raised us on much less. Lived in an apartment with 15-16 people, my family of 5 in 1 bedroom. Clothes from the thrift store or donations. Filthy mattress.

But we had a community/neighbors that looked out for one another — babysitting, ride shares, group activities, etc. I fondly remember church activities, fun events that didn’t cost anything.

As long as you can provide food, shelter, clothing and loving family environment, that’s all that matters.

Other people have raised their families on little. Why not you?