Millennials are people born between the years 1980-1995. They were born in a time when technology was emerging and have gotten the pleasure to watch its development.

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Compared to previous generations like Gen Xers, Baby Boomers, and Silent Generations, millennials have a different approach to family life, parenting, and pregnancy. Read on to find out how they are different from their predecessors.

Millennials Are Waiting Longer To Start Families

Unlike the previous generations, millennials are taking their time before getting settled. According to Pew Social Trends, a study revealed that 55% of millennials had a family of their own in 2019. This figure was considerably low when compared to 66% of Gen Xers, 69% of Boomers, and 87% of Silent Generation at the same age. The study also revealed that 14% of millennials had not moved out of their parents’ homes. On average, millennial men settle down at 30 years with women at 28 years. This is a 3-year difference compared to Boomers at the same age.

Millennials are more concerned with building their career and achieving their life goals before starting a family. They want to be financially stable before settling down. Forbes explains that some millennials are holding back the idea of having a family because their earnings are so little and have not cleared their student loans.

Some millennials, on the other hand, are in no rush thanks to technological advancement. Millennials can freeze their eggs and sperms to pursue their dreams without feeling pressured by their age.

They Are Embracing Modern Family Structures

Single parenting is no longer a taboo among millennials. Millennial moms are choosing to become single moms. They feel comfortable raising kids by themselves.

Besides, millennials are happy to have families regardless of their sexual orientation. Very Well Family notes that over 3 million children were being raised by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender parents in 2017. Unlike past generations, millennials have no problem raising children as a same-sex couple.

Some Millennials Want Nothing To Do With Babies

Some millennials are okay with marriage but not babies. Philly Magazine notes how daily anxiety and uncertainty influence this decision. Wanderlust, effective birth controls, unemployment, and lack of job security are other reasons for not wanting babies. On the other hand, millennials raised by divorced parents, especially single moms observed how they sacrificed a lot. Since they do not want to subject their children to a similar environment, they opt to not have babies.

They Let The Internet Advise Them

Millennials look for pregnancy and parenting advice from the internet. Millennial moms use apps to track their fertility and progress when pregnant. They also make use of Instagram and YouTube when looking for the best baby products. Gerber Life notes that millennials search the internet for what worked for other parents to avoid making mistakes.

Millennials are also strategic thinkers. They make use of blogs and podcasts during pregnancy and when parenting.

They Seek Validation From Parents

The internet is full of information that can be conflicting at times. Columbus Monthly points out that 60% of moms find themselves with conflicting information from the internet. When this happens, millennials seek advice from their parental figures about relationships, family advice, and pregnancy issues. When compared to Boomers, millennials moms lean on their moms and mommy figures three times more. They validate information and advice received from parents and parental figures.

Millennial Dads Are Embracing Fatherhood

Millennial dads are embracing their role better compared to past generations. These dads want to be part of their children's life. They get to research on how to become a better dad and even help with changing diapers.

Parenting Responsibilities Do Not Slow Them Down

Millennials can parent and pursue their passion at the same time. Gerber Life found that 75% of millennial parents did not stop pursuing their dreams. They prioritize both their kids and as well as their goals.

They Involve Their Kids In Decision Making

Gone are the helicopter parenting days. With millennials, their kids are part of the decision-making process. They ask for their child’s opinion and give them choices because they want to be more involved. Unlike their parents, millennials are more about keeping it real with their children instead of pushing for perfection.

Millennials Are Saving More

Gerber Life also notes how millennials are saving more after having kids. Unlike Boomers who saved 5% of their income as a retirement plan, millennials are saving a whopping 10% of their income.

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Sources: Gerber Life, Columbus Monthly, Philly Magazine, Very Well Family, Forbes, Pew Social Trends.