The Positive Side of Falling Fertility Rates
Headlines have painted falling fertility rates as bad news.
Over 50% of nations are now below replacement rate.
Economic stagnation and shrinking populations are a concern.
But what if there’s also good news?
The positive trend we’re missing
As relationship therapists working with young individuals, couples and families every day, Kavitha and I (Kester) see a different picture.
While fertility falls, this is rising: the number of young people who want marriage and parenthood to be an intentional choice.
Not because society said so.
Not because time is running out.
Rise of the intentional generation
We’re seeing more of this in our therapy rooms:
- Singles who want to learn emotional skills and figure their life out before getting into a relationship.
- Married couples who want to work on their bond before having kids.
- Young parents who want to break cycles of trauma, rethink education, and give their kids a better childhood.
The fact that less people are having kids shows more are taking it seriously.
More people are:
- Asking if they’re truly ready - both financially and emotionally.
- Figuring out who they are first - knowing you can’t raise a child to live a fulfilling life if you haven’t asked yourself that question.
- Refusing to pass on the regret and resentment - that is put on child when a parent isn’t ready.
Why does this matter?
Think about it: For the first time, we have a generation of children - Gen Alpha and Beta - who are growing up with more intentional parents.
This starts a positive cycle:
Intentional Parent → Emotionally stronger child → Self-aware adult → Intentional parent
So it's okay if you’re hesitant about marriage or parenthood.
It’s healthy to:
- figure out what kind of life you want
- work towards financial stability
- learn to build an emotionally secure relationship
before deciding if marriage or parenthood is for you.
Are you part of the intentional generation?
There are two ways Kavitha and I can support you:
1-1 or Couple Therapy: Move beyond repetitive conflicts, constant miscommunication, and the exhausting feeling of being unseen and unheard. Our sessions help you build self-awareness, heal old triggers, and deepen intimacy. Book a trial therapy session → CLICK HERE
Relationship Foundation Course: Learn the practices and insights that have helped over 1,000 individuals, couples and families create fulfilling, lasting partnerships. Sign up here → CLICK HERE
Back to blogs → CLICK HERE
In Friendship,
Kester Shekar-Tay
Lead Therapist & Co-Founder
SACRED® Institute
