Child bearing onset

Abstract

The work acknowledges the fact that Malta is experiencing a decline in child birth and recognises that many believe that marriage without children is not considered as a breakdown of values. The research indicates the acceptability of delaying child bearing to pursue personal goals such as advancement in career or leisure related issues. In addition, with greater societal acceptance and expressive individualism in general, the majority of young people are taking longer to have their first child. It is maintained that young adults offer two key reasons for postponement or the decision of not having another child. Primarily, the first years of the marriage are seen as a way of gaining valid knowledge about their spouses and a time that should be spent to nourish the relationship and secondly, young couples experience financial constraints. The study also proven fact that when these partners have children, the offspring becomes the first priority of the family, which provides a scope and a commitment like no other.