An increasing number of Chinese people now regard children as more of a burden than a blessing, according to a survey conducted by China Youth Daily last week.

Among the 2,685 people surveyed, 86.3 percent saw children as a burden; 49.1 percent of women felt this burden was "excessive," as compared to 41.7 percent of men.

59 percent of respondents said they have so far chosen not to have children, "because of huge economic and psychological pressures." The skyrocketing expenses of education, living, and healthcare now drive family planning, the survey revealed.

"It is reported that bringing up a child in China now costs 490,000 yuan (US$64,755)," said a woman surnamed Jiang interviewed by the newspaper. She revealed her spending as more than 1,000 yuan (US$132) on health checks during pregnancy; more than 5,500 yuan (US$727) on milk powder, fruit, and clothes; more than 2,500 yuan (US$330) on baby products such as a cradle, bathtub, toys, etc.; and more expenses for pregnancy nutriments.

"I am scared by all the bills, and thinking ahead to all the additional costs of kindergarten, school, and university education in the future," she added.

A woman surnamed Xiao said she felt harried by mounting family duties. "I had a recurring dream where my baby cries day and night so much that I can't eat and sleep well. In the dream I have no time to take care of the baby properly and I don't trust the nannies, either. I was so stressed I sought psychological consultation and the doctor said I need to relax."

Of those surveyed, 58.1 percent are worried that they won't be able to provide the necessary conditions for a child's healthy growth. A woman identified as "Fei Fei" said children can be categorized as "high-consumption commodities and are a lifelong unprofitable business. If you are not confident of providing them with good development conditions, you'd simply better not have children."

About 39.3 percent said children were confronted with competition from early childhood and this stress is transferred over to the parents. "They have to face homework, examinations, and employment, and these put tremendous pressure on parents as well," said a Mr. Ma, who works in a media agency.

A staggering number of parents surveyed (83.4 percent) viewed children as a serious burden, while among people who haven't yet had a child the number was even higher (87.5 percent). Zhao Liang, a young man who was interviewed, said he was a faithful member of the "DINK (double income, no kids) group," because "raising a child involves so much pressure that it will influence the quality of one's life."

Some 28.4 percent of those surveyed were torn between concentrating on work promotion and having a child; 26.7 worried children would "influence their romantic life."

However, even though 25.9 percent of the women agreed that pregnancy would create distress and hardship for them, 65.1 percent still said they would "absolutely have children," 25.5 percent said "maybe," and only 1.6 percent said they "won't have children at all."

Despite all the gloomy statements, 78.5 percent of the total believe "a completely happy life must include children," even with the burden. 28.7 percent said they place their hopes on their children. Tian Tian, a computer program designer, hopes her child will become a movie star in the future so as to realize her own childhood dream.

About 48.6 percent people think children can make their marriage more stable; 37.6 percent said they "get married and have children under orders of their parents"; 22.2 percent commented that "kids are so cute"; and 10.7 percent said they "bring up children to provide security in old age."

(China.org.cn by Li Jingrong, July 27, 2007)