The uncertainty of the job market, inflation and the pressure to find the right partner are just some of the reasons behind why less and less young people are choosing to have children.
Figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) in October 2024 showed that fertility rates across the UK dropped to their lowest since the 1970s.
In Kingston, the average fertility rate is 1.24 for a woman during her lifetime, a lower average compared to London’s 1.35 medium.
The last ONS 2021 census showed that Kingston has an aging population, with an 18% increase of people aged 50-64 living in the borough compared to the 9.5% drop in the number of 25-34 year old residents.
The Kingston Courier talked to three people in their mid 20s about this growing trend of having children later in life.
Anna Moreno and Adam Carter, 25: Adoption would be our first route
Anna Moreno works in communications and Adam Carter is a Control Engineer for the National Grid. They have been together for four years and live with their two dogs.
Both Moreno and Carter believe having stable savings before starting a family is essential, with at least one of them needing to work from home to accommodate children.
Moreno said: “The way that everything is kind of expensive right now, I have other things I want to prioritize. Kids are just not a priority for me.”
She added: “I’m unsure even in the future if I do want kids. I just want to live comfortably before I think about helping someone else live a life.”
Moreno is also considering adoption and said she sees it as a good thing, because her mother was adopted.
Carter agreed. He said: “Regardless of if we were able to have kids, I think adoption would be our first route. Just because there are so many kids that need adoption, that need a family.”
Alicia McNulty-Pinto, 24: A personal choice as to when you feel ready
Alicia McNulty-Pinto works as a Student Administration Assistant.
Despite having a full-time job, the rise in rent prices means that she has to live with her parents, which is not uncommon among young people today.
After growing up with her father, an accountant, and a stay-at-home mum, McNulty-Pinto said: “I have seen how difficult it can be supporting children on your own.”
She added: “Now you need two people working because it can be a struggle financially and it can put a strain on families.”
Before starting a family, McNulty-Pinto wants to travel but she said she has felt pressure about having children early.
Her current ideal timeline to have children is between 35 to 40 years old.
McNulty-Pinto said: “I’ve always believed it’s a personal choice as to when you feel ready.”
She added: “For me, having kids later in life means that now, in your 20s, is the time when you can discover yourself, focus on your career.”
