Comments on: Have A Baby, Win A Car

By: jessyz

jessyz — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:08:04 +0000

The physical and emotional cost of having a child can no way be equated in monetary terms. But I am sure day care and babysitting services would definitely help.

By: Anne

Anne — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 21:08:19 +0000

I disagree with Sweet Pea.
If I did my math right, 40 weeks is 280 days. 280 divided by 30 (the average number of days in a month), that makes 9 1/3 months.
Now, I know that I was about two weeks early, and lots of people I know were, so I think the whole 9 months straight thing would have worked pretty much.

Also, with what mixc said, it seems like for a perfectly normal on-time birth, the Russian plan works well…

I think..

By: Bassman

Bassman — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:04:08 +0000

“I am so glad I do not have similar observations as those of Bassman. Becoming a parent is _scary_ and no matter what the IQ level, it is not just something one does like adopt a dog.”

If you did have views like mine you’d be unhappy with your views?

Yes, becoming a perent is frightening (and wonderful!) It is also a HUGE responsibility. And many people DO seem to give little realistic thought to it.

As for the dog analogy: If you were to adopt one from the shelter with which my mother volunteers, you’d have to meet some requirements and they’d make a couple of home visits. So, it’d be more difficult than having a baby.

Truthfully, I wouldn’t regulate pregnancy, but I do wish people would treat child rearing with more care and thought than they seem to do.

By: steveg

steveg — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 03:26:55 +0000

Australia: USD $3400 (AUD $4133) per child born. Paid in a lump sum. Indexed to inflation.

Basically the Australian government is buying plasma TVs for the rednecks.

By: micx

micx — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 19:25:48 +0000

I agree with SweetPea but want to point out that the due date is calculated from the first day of the woman’s last period – which is usually 14 days before conception (assuming a 28 day cycle). thus, from the time of conception to birth is 38 weeks. Even with this number, June 12th is still a week off.

I am so glad I do not have similar observations as those of Bassman. Becoming a parent is _scary_ and no matter what the IQ level, it is not just something one does like adopt a dog.

By: Sweet Pea

Sweet Pea — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:52:39 +0000

I think the Russian government should’ve consulted with an ob/gyn before planning this event.
From the moment of conception to birth its about 40 weeks (10 months).

I’m sure whoever was privy to this bit of info probably cheated and started before “Conception Day”. Cheaters!

By: BeckyJ

BeckyJ — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 14:41:03 +0000

Along the same lines as Bassman…
There are a lot of people out there who just shouldn’t be allowed to continue their gene pool. I’ve often thought that becoming a parent should require a license in which you have to show that you will not screw up your kid so badly that it can’t be undone. Obviously though, logistics would be an issue…

By: Bassman

Bassman — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:52:04 +0000

I disagree with Miss Cellania’s last statement. From my observations I think many people have children simply because it’s part of what they’re supposed to do: Get married, get dog, buy house, have kids, go to beach in summer.
I feel pretty sure that alot of people I see haven’t given it much thought at all. It’s like some taken for granted social obligation.
Instead of offering initiatives to child bearing, my ideal would be to restrict to only those who demonstrate sufficient awareness of the importance of raising children.
Someday, when I’m world dictator…

By: Lulu

Lulu — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 05:19:10 +0000

I believe the birth incentive program under which I was conceived was known as “The Pill Wasn’t Invented Yet And Abortion Was Still Illegal”. It was popular in the early 1960’s.

By: Miss Cellania

Miss Cellania — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 04:53:53 +0000

None of these financial incentives even approach the expense of a child. Either you want to be a parent, or you don’t.