re: How dynamics of the average US household changed since the 60s

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It's all perspective. My wife and I look at our peers with kids and, despite all of them saying they are happy, every one of them are constantly complaining about how hard it is and how miserable they are. The women's bodies are permanently fricked and their careers are stunted. The men now have an additional mouth to feed with less income, but working more is not an option because then he's not pulling his weight around the house/with the kid. Their marriage falls apart and if they are lucky, they can stay roommates for 18 years when the kid moves out, and then they can try loving each other again. Neither have slept a solid 8 hours in years, never mind sleeping in on the weekend. They give the kids to the grandparents whenever they can, but then feel guilty the whole time. Saving any meaningful amount of money is difficult when it is constantly being spent on the kid's needs. Retirement is likely not an option. They stop existing as individuals and now their entire lives are dedicated to raising a human who will one day say "I hate you". Retirement homes are full of people who had kids so there is someone to take care of them later in life.

Kids are great and people who want to/can raise them properly should continue having kids. But if you put it on a pro/con list, having kids is a terrible decision. We're happy to stay the fun aunt/uncle.

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