Troubling Dog Mom/Dad Epidemic

The Federalist Article

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But for many in my generation who are also approaching 30, children (and the ideal prerequisite for children, marriage), are still out of the question because they’re too expensive, too time-consuming, and might cramp their style. Those nurturing instincts don’t go anywhere, though. A disturbing number of young adults are directing them toward substitutes—not boots or stuffed toys, but dogs and cats.

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Christian musician Nicole Nordeman recently posted an account on Facebook of a couple she overheard at the airport holding a FaceTime call with their “baby” and his “grandparents.” “They are cooing and gushing and exclaiming ‘well look at YOU, big boy! So big! So handsome! Are you being so good for Nana???’” These “parents” pester their own parents with questions about baby’s feeding, pooping, and playtime, and “nearly collapse with joy” when “baby” comes back on screen for a last goodbye. “Mommy and Daddy love you,” the couple squeal. “You are the best boy! We’re coming home so soon!” Nordeman says she turned around to sneak a look at this sweet baby who’s so beloved by his parents, only to find…a yellow Labrador retriever.

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I'd be in what you call the "millennial" category. I see tons of young professional peers of mine (23 to 30) adopting this weird anti-children mentality. At its best, the dog mom/dad might be temporarily postponing children while focusing on their careers. But at it's worst, I've seen those who shudder at the sound of a child and who've sworn against it for life. I've always thought it to be a really disturbing trend personally. This article resonated hard.