The Guardian

Do millennials opt for a ‘fur baby’ because they’re broke – or scared of responsibility? | Josie Cox

Pampering your pet as you would a child is much less of a commitment than actually having children
‘The burden of raising a tiny human is losing its appeal for commitment-phobic, cash-strapped, travel-obsessed or simply career-prioritising millennials.’ Photograph: Jeffrey Kaphan/Getty Images

About three months after I’d given birth, I was invited to a recently-befriended mum’s house for a gathering of new parents and babies. As my bleary brain tried desperately to remember each adult’s name, and at least the gender of their corresponding tot, I suddenly realised we were one cooing, spewing infant short of a full set. How odd.

Later, as I happened on the lady I’d identified as childless refilling her mug in the kitchen, I inquired

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