Why millennial mothers say they can't do modern parenthood
Australian families spend $36,500 a year raising two children, while wages grew slower over 20 years.
Mothers across Australia say parenting feels impossible. They wake before 5am to get their children up.
They rush through mornings. They work full-time jobs they cannot reduce.
Then they do it all again in reverse each evening. The money pressure is huge.
The cost of raising two or more children rose 134% in 20 years. Household income grew only 102% in the same period.
Most families now have both parents working full-time. Yet budgets feel tighter than ever.
Having children cuts Australian women's earnings by about 55% over five years. Many mothers say they cannot parent as they hoped.
One woman said she cannot pick her children up from school. She cannot spend a calm afternoon with them.
- $36,500
- Annual cost for two children
- 134%
- Cost rise over 20 years
- 102%
- Income growth over 20 years
- 55% over five years after childbirth
- Women's earnings cut
Why it mattersThe squeeze is reshaping Australian family life and may drive fewer people to have children, affecting the country's long-term workforce and population.
AustraliaAustralian parents face rising childcare and education costs while wages stagnate, forcing both parents to work more hours and spend less time with their families.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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