If I can’t afford a house, can I afford a second kid?

The decision to have a second child is a deeply personal one that many couples grapple with. For James Morrison, a resident of New Westminster, B.C., this decision has been particularly challenging due to the high cost of living in the Lower Mainland.

Sitting on his deck with his wife, looking out at the Fraser River, the conversation about expanding their family is a familiar one. Both James and his wife grew up with siblings and had always envisioned having at least two children of their own. However, the question of affordability looms large in their minds.

Living in a two-bedroom apartment, they are well aware that as their child grows, they will eventually need more space. The rising housing costs in the Vancouver area have made it difficult for them to imagine affording a larger home for their growing family.

James reflects on the conventional wisdom passed down from his parents about saving money, going to university, and having a good work ethic. While he has followed these principles diligently, the exorbitant housing prices in the region have thrown a wrench into his well-laid plans.

Since graduating from the University of British Columbia, James has worked hard, saved diligently, and lived within his means. However, the dream of homeownership seems increasingly out of reach as prices continue to soar.

The prospect of having a second child in their current living situation is daunting. With two-bedroom apartments in their neighborhood fetching nearly $800,000, James and his wife are faced with the stark reality that adding another child to the mix would strain their finances to the breaking point.

While some might suggest that they should simply learn to live with less, James grapples with the idea that every parent has the right to provide a comfortable and stable environment for their children. Moving to a more affordable province is an option, but it would mean leaving behind their family and support system in the Lower Mainland.

As James contemplates his wife’s question about expanding their family, he is honest about his uncertainty. The financial pressures of living in a high-cost area have made the decision to have a second child a complex and challenging one.

In a country where homeownership and raising a family in one’s hometown are becoming increasingly rare, James wonders about the future of Canadian families. Can hard work and saving money still lead to a secure and stable life for the next generation?

For now, James is willing to explore the possibilities and see where the path leads. The decision to have a second child is not just about finances; it’s about creating a future that is sustainable, stable, and fulfilling for their growing family.