Myths about parenting come and go, with different ones moving to the top spot every few years. Most are related to the high cost of college, two-income households, and money problems. One common thread that runs through most of the misinformation is based on an incorrect assessment of the typical threats and challenges moms and dads face in modern times. Here are details about the current parade of myths, misinformation, and just plain incorrect ideas about parenting in the 2020s.
Paying for a Child’s College is Impossible
There are plenty of low-stress options. It’s entirely possible to send your children to college without dealing with financial stress. That’s because there are so many options. If you choose a Private Parent Loan, a traditional student loan, opt for community college, or combine savings with borrowed funds, you can cover some or all of your child’s college costs. With parent private student loans, moms and dads can borrow to help pay for a child’s education. You’re not cosigning but borrowing the funds in your own name and repaying it on your own account. Many parents choose this arrangement in order to avoid burdening their sons and daughters with large debt amounts as soon as they graduate.
Two Incomes Are Better Than One
Sometimes, one income is a more stable arrangement. Many of mothers and fathers choose to live on one income, with one parent designated to remain at home and raise young children. At least for the first few years after childbirth, with the proper financial planning, this setup can make good economic sense. First, there are no daycare costs. Second, many stay-at-home parents earn online degrees or do part-time work while rearing their kids. Then, when the kids enter full-time school around age six, most couples revert to the standard two-income arrangement, at least until another child comes along.
New Moms and Dads Are Financially Strapped
Planning can make life much easier. Couples tend to do a better job making financial plans than single people do. Plus, two-income households, even ones that include a child or two, can usually stretch their dollars further with precise budgeting. While there are a few tax advantages for couples with children, most parents are not living paycheck-to-paycheck because they do a good job of mapping out their needs far in advance.
After Having Kids, You Give Up Social Life
Many moms and dads are actually more social than single people. This old canard is easily put to rest because so many mothers and fathers team up with other parents and arrange playdates to socialize. Of course, many of the events tend to focus on the youngsters, but adults know how to turn a kid-centered birthday party into a fun night of bridge or video gaming. In fact, those who raise children take part in dozens of social activities that single adults aren’t even aware of. Finally, for adult-only nights out and other special non-kid functions, babysitters fill in the gap and allow busy adults to spend an occasional night on the town.
