Raising kids has never been easy, but for many families today, it’s becoming harder to afford. A recent Newsweek article shows that most parents in America are now going into debt just to care for their children. The story is based on a study by National Debt Relief, which found that six in ten parents have borrowed money for their kids—not because they’re spending carelessly, but because basic needs like housing, food, and health care have become so expensive.
The study surveyed 2,000 parents with children under 18 and found that many are struggling to keep up with everyday costs. Some have taken on thousands of dollars in medical debt for doctor visits or prescriptions, while others say they’ve skipped meals to make sure their kids have enough to eat. In fact, 81 percent of parents said they put their children’s needs ahead of paying off their debt. For many families, debt has become a necessary part of raising kids in today’s economy.
Experts say this isn’t a problem caused by poor money management. Instead, it’s the result of rising prices and financial pressures that have been building for years. Many parents are borrowing money now to help their children before costs go up even more—for things like college, health care, or housing. Child care has gotten especially costly, rising more than twice as fast as inflation since 1990. Even the holidays and back-to-school season can make things worse, with nearly half of parents going into debt at those times of year.
National Debt Relief’s Chief Consumer Affairs and Creditor Relations Officer Natalia Brown says debt affects how parents make everyday choices. “Debt disrupts more than just finances,” she told Newsweek. “It reshapes parenting.” Brown, who is also a mom, said many parents are being forced to sacrifice things like their own meals or college savings plans just to stay afloat. Her words highlight how emotional and stressful these money challenges can be, especially for families trying to do what’s best for their children.
Younger parents are feeling this struggle even more. The study found that 63 percent of Gen Z parents say debt is keeping them from having more kids. Experts warn that this growing financial pressure may be one reason why birthrates are falling to record lows.
This Newsweek article shines a light on the real-life impact of debt and the tough choices parents face every day. It’s a reminder that financial stress doesn’t mean failure—it means families are doing whatever they can to care for the people they love. For parents feeling weighed down by debt, options like debt settlement can offer a path toward relief and stability. National Debt Relief helps consumers find solutions that fit their financial situation and goals.
You can read the full article on Newsweek to learn more about the study from National Debt Relief and what it reveals about the cost of raising kids in America today.
