Societal Perspectives on Child-rearing - Traditional Chinese families often view raising children as an investment for old age, which can be a source of unhappiness for children [1] - Many parents raise children for personal reasons such as continuing the family line or fulfilling their own dreams, without considering the child's desires [1] - The author argues that most Chinese parents are selfish, expecting a return on their investment in their children rather than prioritizing the child's well-being [1] - The author suggests that if raising children is approached as a consumption rather than an investment, children can be born into a less pressured environment, fostering love and genuine connection [1] Economic Analysis of Child-rearing - The author calculates the costs and returns of raising children to argue that it is not a profitable investment in the current socio-economic climate [1] - The author advocates for a shift in mindset towards viewing children as a "consumer product" rather than an investment [1] Alternative Perspectives on Child-rearing - The author disagrees with the DINK (Dual Income No Kids) lifestyle and supports Elon Musk's view that those who are capable should have more children [1] - The author believes that having the right mindset towards children allows them to develop their own ideas and ensures fairness [1]

00 后视角闲扯，如何看待生育问题？——孩子是一种消费品上次聊房子，我抛出个暴论：没生育和买房需求，正常打工的钱咋都够花，买房就是伪需求。评论区炸了，有人说：“房子、生育都是伪需求，人类还繁衍吗？” 伪需求这词不精准，孩子准确的定位是——消费品最早在猫笔刀公众号看到对孩子的这个定义，惊为天人：“新生儿数量减少不像房价的下跌那么直观紧迫……孩子在现代家庭中的角色其实是消费品，孩子数量减少本质上就是家庭消费收缩。”为什么孩子成消费品了呢？这恐怕又是新老观念的冲突。老一辈的 “传宗接代” 观念到 00 后这里早已相对薄弱。宗族和家族的结构逐渐解体，正常情况下普通人也没啥家业要继承，个体更关注自身的生活，而非家族整体的传承，所以生育的责任感约等于零加之各种红利消退——人口是一种红利，增长放缓了红利消退；科技进步是一种红利，互联网乃至区块链行业的红利都在退潮——个体生存压力骤增。顾好自己都难的情况下，一个三口之家的孩子要承担四位老人 + 两位中老年人的赡养义务。这种情况下，如果还生一个孩子，对普通人来说压力可想而知拿 “养儿防老” 的保险投资逻辑来说呢？很显然，这并不是一种多么理想的投资。计算了下在上海养孩子到大学毕业 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the complexities and challenges of parenthood, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and preparation before becoming a parent, as well as the importance of understanding the parent-child relationship beyond traditional ideals [1][4][7]. Group 1: Understanding Parenthood - Parenthood is likened to creating a unique piece of art, where the outcome is influenced by both the parent's skills and the child's inherent qualities [1][4]. - The pressure and unpredictability of parenting are highlighted, suggesting that one cannot fully prepare for the challenges that arise [2][18]. - The article stresses the importance of recognizing and addressing issues in the parent-child dynamic, which may stem from past experiences and societal expectations [3][5][6]. Group 2: The Role of Self-Reflection - Self-reflection is crucial for understanding one's own upbringing and how it affects parenting choices, with the idea that parents are not infallible [4][5][6]. - The concept of "inner child" is introduced, suggesting that individuals must reconcile their childhood experiences to foster healthier relationships with their own children [10][11]. - The article encourages individuals to assess their readiness for parenthood by considering their emotional stability, relationship dynamics, and financial capabilities [15][16]. Group 3: The Nature of the Parent-Child Relationship - The relationship between parents and children is described as complex, where children are independent beings rather than extensions of their parents [19][20]. - Expectations from children can lead to disappointment, as they may prioritize their own interests and explorations over parental desires [21][22]. - The article concludes with a call to embrace the new life of a child, acknowledging the responsibilities and joys that come with it [23].

Core Viewpoint - The phenomenon of "pension prevention from children" is becoming increasingly common among the elderly, reflecting a shift from the traditional belief of "raising children for old age" to a more self-reliant approach in financial management [2][3][6]. Group 1: Changing Attitudes Towards Elderly Financial Management - Many elderly individuals are now concealing their financial status from their children, viewing their savings as personal resources for retirement and medical expenses [3][4]. - The shift in mindset is evident among different generations, with older generations recognizing that having children does not guarantee support in old age, leading to proactive financial planning [4][19]. - Insurance sales have seen a rise in demand from the elderly, who often purchase policies without their children's knowledge, indicating a desire for financial independence [5][20]. Group 2: Strategies for Concealing Wealth - Elderly individuals are employing various strategies to hide their financial assets, such as spreading savings across multiple banks and using cash transactions to avoid leaving a digital trail [14][15]. - Some elderly people even resort to fabricating stories about their financial situations to maintain control over their assets and avoid conflicts with their children [11][13]. - The trend of "pension prevention from children" is characterized by a growing reluctance among the elderly to share their financial resources, driven by fears of dependency and family disputes [6][19]. Group 3: Generational Financial Misunderstandings - There is a notable disconnect between the financial perspectives of the elderly and their children, with the former viewing savings as essential for their own security, while the latter see it as inheritance [21]. - This generational gap in understanding financial responsibilities can lead to conflicts within families, as children may expect financial support from their parents [21][22]. Group 4: Cultural and Societal Influences - The decline of traditional filial piety and the inadequacy of social security systems are significant factors contributing to the rise of the "pension prevention from children" phenomenon [23][27]. - Urbanization and the shift to nuclear families have resulted in many elderly individuals feeling isolated and unsupported, prompting them to retain their financial resources [24][25]. - The lack of adequate social welfare, especially in rural areas, exacerbates the situation, as many elderly individuals are left to fend for themselves without sufficient institutional support [28][30].