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Millennials, Gen Z, and the Decline in US Birth Rate

April 9, 2025 By Emma

The number of births in the United States has been steadily declining for over a decade. According to CDC data, in 2007, the country recorded over 4.3 million births—the highest number on record. By 2023, that number had dropped to about 3.6 million. During the same period, the U.S. crude birth rate—the number of births per 1,000 people—also declined significantly, falling from 14.3 in 2007 to around 12.0 in 2023. While many factors are at play, one of the biggest influences is the changing perspective of each generation regarding how many children they want to have. From the post-war Baby Boom to today’s Gen Z, Americans’ attitudes about family size have evolved dramatically—and those views have helped shape the nation’s fertility trends.

Family Size Ideals: From Large Families to the Two-Child Norm

In the early-to-mid 20th century, large families were common. In 1936, Gallup found the average ideal number of children was about 3.6. This lined up with the Baby Boom era (1946–1964), when U.S. fertility peaked—hitting 3.7 children per woman in 1957. But by the 1970s, ideals had shifted. The rise of the birth control pill, more women entering the workforce, and evolving gender norms led many Baby Boomers to want smaller families. By 1978, the average ideal number of children had dropped to around 2.5, where it has remained fairly stable ever since.

Even today, most Americans say they want kids. Gallup reported in 2013 that over 90% of adults had or wanted children, and that number hasn’t changed much. The ideal family size remains around two or slightly more. But recent surveys show a renewed interest in larger families: as of 2023, 45% of Americans said the ideal number of kids is three or more—the highest percentage in 50 years.

The Reality: Americans Have Fewer Children Than They Say They Want

Despite these ideals, the number of children people actually have is much lower. The U.S. total fertility rate (TFR)—the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime—has dropped significantly. In 2007, the TFR was about 2.1 (replacement level). By 2023, it had fallen to just 1.62.

This gap between “desired” and “actual” children is common across generations. While most people still say they want two or more kids, economic pressures, delayed marriage, and lifestyle choices have led to fewer births. Let’s take a quick look at how each generation has shaped these trends.

Baby Boomers: From Boom to Bust

Born between 1946 and 1964, Baby Boomers were the product of the post-WWII birth surge. But when it came time for them to start families, they chose smaller households. Influenced by rising inflation, new career opportunities for women, and changing social norms, Boomers helped bring the TFR down to 1.8 by the mid-1970s. Women born in the mid-1950s had about two children on average—lower than their parents’ generation.

Generation X: Stability and Moderation

Gen X (born 1965–1980) came of age during the 1980s and 1990s and maintained the two-child ideal. Many started families a little later than their Boomer parents, but most still had kids in their 20s or early 30s. Their childbearing helped stabilize the U.S. birth rate for a while, with total births hovering between 3.9 and 4.1 million per year through the 1990s and early 2000s. The TFR stayed close to 2.0—roughly replacement level.

Millennials: Delay, Debt, and Decline

Millennials (born 1981–1996) have had a big impact on birth trends. The Great Recession (2007-2009) hit just as many were starting adulthood, and the long recovery left many facing student debt, job insecurity, and rising housing costs. As a result, they delayed marriage and children. The average age at first birth rose to 27.3 by 2021—a record high, compared to around 22 in 1980 and just over 21 in 1970.

While Millennials still say they want about 2–3 children, many haven’t reached that number. By the time the oldest Millennials hit their early 40s, they were on track to have fewer children than Gen X. In fact, about 15% may never have kids at all—higher than previous generations. Between 2007 and 2020, U.S. births fell every year, dropping by more than 700,000 annually. Millennials were the primary drivers of this decline.

Gen Z: Cautious and Concerned

The oldest members of Gen Z (born 1997–2012) are just entering their prime childbearing years. Early signs suggest they’re even more cautious about starting families. In a 2023 poll, nearly 25% of Gen Z adults said they don’t plan to have children at all. Top reasons include financial concerns, climate change, and general uncertainty about the future.

That said, Gen Z is still young, and many may change their minds. Around 45% still say three or more children is ideal, and it’s possible that if economic conditions improve, they’ll start families later—just as Millennials have begun to do in their 30s. For now, though, the trend is clear: young adults are having fewer kids, later in life.

U.S. Birth Statistics

Annual number of births in the United States (2007 – 2023)

YearNumber of Births
20074,316,233
20084,247,694
20094,131,019
20103,999,386
20113,953,590
20123,952,841
20133,932,181
20143,988,076
20153,978,497
20163,945,875
20173,855,500
20183,791,712
20193,747,540
20203,613,647
20213,664,292
20223,667,758
20233,596,017

Source: CDC data

Annual U.S. crude birth rate (2007 – 2023)

YearCrude Birth Rate (per 1,000 population)
200714.3
200814.0
200913.5
201013.0
201112.7
201212.6
201312.4
201412.5
201512.4
201612.2
201711.8
201811.6
201911.4
202010.9
202111.0
202211.0
202310.9

Source: CDC data

What Comes Next: The Future of U.S. Birth Rate

Looking ahead, the choices of future generations—particularly the younger half of Gen Z and the emerging Generation Alpha—will play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the U.S. birth rate. While current trends suggest continued delays in starting families and smaller household sizes, much will depend on the social and economic environment they inherit. If housing remains unaffordable, childcare costs stay high, and work-life balance is elusive, birth rates could remain low or decline further. But with meaningful policy shifts and cultural changes that support young families, these generations could stabilize or even modestly reverse the current trend. Their views on parenthood, shaped by today’s uncertainty but also new opportunities, will determine whether the U.S. continues its path of demographic contraction—or enters a new chapter of renewal.

Filed Under: Family, Statistics Tagged With: Parenting

Types & Different Parenting Styles Across Generations

January 27, 2025 By Emma

Parenting styles have evolved across generations, influenced by social changes, technology, and cultural shifts. From Baby Boomers’ structured discipline to Millennials and Gen Z’s more flexible, emotionally aware approaches, these changes reflect new understandings of children’s needs. This article explores the parenting beliefs of the different generations of parents, highlighting how their unique experiences have shaped their parenting styles and offering insights into navigating modern family dynamics.

Baby Boomers: Structure, Discipline, and Hard Work

Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, grew up in a time of significant social change. Their parenting style is often characterized by structure, discipline, and a strong emphasis on hard work. They tend to prioritize traditional parenting methods, emphasizing respect for authority and adherence to rules.

Key Parenting Beliefs of Baby Boomers:

  • Education: Boomers place a high value on education, believing it is crucial for their children’s success.
  • Work Ethic: They instill a strong work ethic in their children, emphasizing the importance of determination and perseverance.
  • Discipline: Boomers often employ a mix of authoritarian and authoritative parenting styles, setting clear boundaries and expectations while also being responsive to their children’s needs.
  • Traditional Values: They may adhere to more traditional values, emphasizing respect for elders, family unity, and community involvement.

Generation X: Independence, Balance, and Adaptability

Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, experienced a different set of social and economic circumstances. They witnessed the rise of dual-income households, increased divorce rates, and the emergence of technology. As parents, they often prioritize independence, balance, and adaptability.

Key Parenting Beliefs of Generation X:

  • Independence: Gen X parents encourage their children to be self-reliant and make their own decisions.
  • Work-Life Balance: They strive to balance their careers with family life, recognizing the importance of quality time with their children.
  • Open Communication: They value open and honest communication with their children, creating a supportive environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves.
  • Technology Integration: As digital pioneers, they integrate technology into their parenting, using it as a tool for education and connection.

However, some Gen X parents may exhibit “helicopter parenting,” characterized by excessive involvement and overprotection, which can sometimes hinder children’s independence.

Millennials: Gentle Parenting, Emotional Intelligence, and Flexibility

Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, are the first generation to grow up with widespread access to technology and social media. They are often described as being more open-minded, collaborative, and focused on emotional intelligence 10. Their parenting style is often characterized by gentle parenting, emotional intelligence, and flexibility.

Key Parenting Beliefs of Millennials:

  • Gentle Parenting: Millennials often practice gentle parenting, which emphasizes empathy, communication, and emotional understanding.
  • Emotional Intelligence: They prioritize their children’s emotional well-being and encourage them to express their feelings openly.
  • Flexibility: They are more likely to adapt their parenting styles to their children’s individual needs and personalities.
  • Positive Reinforcement: They favor positive reinforcement over punishment, focusing on encouraging desired behaviors.
  • Conscious parenting, a key aspect of Millennial parenting, involves being mindful of one’s own emotions and triggers, and responding to children with empathy and understanding.
  • Millennial fathers are generally more involved in parenting than previous generations, often sharing responsibilities equally with mothers in a ‘co-parenting’ approach.

Generation Z: Authenticity, Emotional Connection, and Tech-Savviness

Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age. This unique upbringing has significantly shaped their values and parenting approaches. While still early in their parenting journey, Gen Z parents are demonstrating a distinct style characterized by authenticity, emotional connection, and tech-savviness .

Key Parenting Beliefs of Generation Z:

  • Authenticity: Gen Z parents value authenticity and strive to create a genuine and open environment for their children . They encourage self-expression and individuality, allowing their children to explore their identities without judgment.
  • Emotional Connection: Building strong emotional bonds with their children is a priority for Gen Z parents . They prioritize empathy, communication, and understanding, fostering a deep sense of connection and trust.
  • Tech-Savviness: Growing up with technology, Gen Z parents seamlessly integrate it into their parenting . They utilize technology for education, entertainment, and connection, while also being mindful of potential downsides and setting healthy boundaries.
  • Flexibility and Adaptability: Gen Z parents are known for their flexibility and adaptability, adjusting their parenting approaches to meet their children’s evolving needs . They are open to new ideas and willing to deviate from traditional norms
  • Collaborative Parenting: Gen Z parents often view their children as partners, involving them in decision-making and encouraging open communication. They foster a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility within the family.
  • “Reverse Role Models”: Many Gen Z parents are influenced by their own upbringing, often seeking to do things differently from their parents . They learn from both positive and negative experiences, striving to create a more supportive and nurturing environment for their children.

It’s important to note that Gen Z parenting is still evolving, and their approaches may continue to adapt as they navigate the challenges and joys of raising children in a rapidly changing world.

Comparing Generational Approaches

As each generation has its own unique approach to parenting, some interesting comparisons and contrasts emerge:

  • Structure vs. Flexibility: Baby Boomers, with their emphasis on structure and discipline, may clash with Millennials’ and Gen Z’s more flexible and child-centered approaches. For example, a Boomer grandparent might insist on strict bedtimes and limited screen time, while a Millennial or Gen Z parent might be more relaxed about these rules.
  • Independence vs. Support: Generation X’s focus on independence and self-reliance contrasts with the more involved and supportive style often seen in Millennial and Gen Z parenting. This can lead to disagreements about how much freedom children should have and how much intervention is necessary.
  • Traditional Values vs. Progressive Values: Boomers’ emphasis on traditional values, such as respect for authority and obedience, may differ from Millennials’ and Gen Z’s more progressive values, which often prioritize individuality and social justice. This can lead to different approaches to discipline and moral guidance.
  • Technology Use: Millennials’ and Gen Z’s comfort with technology and its integration into parenting can create a divide with older generations who may be less tech-savvy or have concerns about screen time and online safety.

Generational differences in parenting offer useful perspectives on raising children. By recognizing and adapting to these shifts, families can better navigate the changing landscape of modern parenting.

Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7602436/

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568743/#:~:text=However%2C%20this%20discussion%20focuses%20on,vary%20depending%20on%20the%20situation.

    https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/parenting/moments/millennial-vs-boomer-parenting-styles-which-one-is-better/photostory/105259213.cms

    https://www.yourtango.com/family/benefits-soft-parenting-boomers-totally-disagree

    https://www.psychowellnesscenter.com/Blog/different-generations-and-parenting-styles-a-journey-of-discovery

    https://meaganjohnson.com/category/generation-x/

    https://genxer.ca/generation-x-parenting-styles/#:~:text=Independence%20Nurturing%3A%20They%20prioritize%20fostering,a%20nurturing%20and%20supportive%20environment.

    https://www.radcliffe.in/parenting-styles-and-bridging-generations/

    https://genxer.ca/generation-x-parenting-styles/

    https://www.parents.com/what-your-generation-says-about-your-parenting-style-8551260

    https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/blog/millennial-parenting-statistics/

    https://www.educationnext.in/posts/millennial-parents-pioneering-a-new-era-of-parenting-for-the-next-generation

    Filed Under: Education, Family Tagged With: Parenting

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