Growing up in modern China after the introduction of the one-child policy, the "post-80s generation" (those born between 1980 and 1989), have found themselves gradually shifting towards getting married and raising a child.
Although they experience a palpable generational gap between themselves and their elders, this young generation (mostly under 30) also faces the same problems their parents did.
Raising a child of their own has brought challenges to these young people who used to be treated as "little emperors" by their parents. Some have found that they have now, willingly of course, become "slaves to their children."
Not including those who have trouble making ends meet, Chinese parents nowadays are following a tendency, and some would say their responsibility, to give their children a high-end lifestyle.
A resident surnamed Wu in Zhengzhou, Henan Province said that after three years of raising her baby, she admits that bringing up a child costs a lot of money.
Earning 10,000 yuan (1 yuan equals $0.15) per month, 29-year-old Wu is a typical post-80s generation Chinese, who gave birth to her baby daughter three years ago. From the first day of her daughter's birth, she's tried her best to give the baby a high-quality of life.
Three years has cost her a surprising 150,000 yuan for the baby, which she spent willingly, though she considered it to be quite a bit of money. She has recorded every expenditure, from her pregnancy to sending the child to kindergarten.
The high cost of a high-quality lifestyle
Wu made several preparations before and during her pregnancy. In all, she spent 9,794 yuan to finally give birth to her child, including money for nutraceuticals, hospital expenses, pregnancy-safe cosmetics and clothes, and so on.
After the baby was born, Wu sought to give the child every "treasure" she could get. On milk powder, she spent 574 yuan for a high-end brand's 900g product, and she over-spent money on other things, such as clothes and feeding-bottles as well. "The baby is so small. She needs high-standard products to make sure that her tender skin and health will not be impacted," said Wu who even spent 50 yuan for a piece of soap.
Education costs play a substantial role
Early education for the baby costs money. When the child was only seven months old, in order to tap her intellectual resources, Wu signed her up for classes and bought her many books and toys. As the baby has grown, Wu has spent more and more on books and developing the interests of the child. The baby has taken part in many classes including dancing, painting, and how to host a TV show.
Sending the child to a good kindergarten also costs a lot: 25,000 yuan a year for the kindergarten. However, just to bid on a spot in the kindergarten class, it cost 76,534.24 yuan.
Half the family's income spent on the child
Wu's case is not rare. For many in the post-80s generation who have a child, providing for the child with a high standard of living is considered a responsibility.
"If it is affordable, I am glad to spend more money on my child. I hope to give her more and spend more to cultivate her as a child with a positive personality," said another parent.
But spending half of a family's income on a child is not proper, said an economist. This proportion will bring a young couple too much pressure, while too many material resources surrounding a child will not do any good to him or her.
