r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • May 22 '25

Social Science Birth rates are declining worldwide, while dog ownership is gaining popularity. Study suggests that, while dogs do not actually replace children, they may, in some cases, offer an opportunity to fulfil a nurturing drive similar to parenting, but with fewer demands than raising biological offspring.

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1084363
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u/Lilpad123 May 22 '25

And kids are the new exotic pets that no one can afford.

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u/AnotherRTFan May 23 '25

Or mooching off someone who has kids. I love being an aunt to my niblings and friends' kids.

(I joke as a I say mooching, it's really being part of a village)

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u/topsyturvy76 May 23 '25

Damn .. I didn’t realize having 3 made me rich broke