I have four children. Having kids would solve a lot of problems for Gen Z.

Having kids gives your life more meaning and purpose and joy and love than you could imagine before that baby is placed in your arms for the first time.

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I am concerned about the declining U.S. birth rate. To help fix it, we should make birthday parties normal again! Just kidding. But really, everyone’s standard for what a child needs is way too high. Gymnastics, baseball, private school, the newest gadgets, and everyone MUST have their own room!

Additionally, people are less connected with older generations. Many millennials are cutting off their parents. Something has happened to fray intergenerational relationships at a deep level. I think grandparents don’t want to help as much and aren’t as helpful, and adult children are less respectful to their elders and less willing to try to make those relationships work. People are moving far away from their hometowns.

Intergenerational relationships, which are helpful in nature, can make parenting achievable for people even if money is tight. Is there a policy that could mend this rift? I have no clue!

Your Turn: I was a young mom. You couldn’t force me to have a baby in this economy. | Opinion Forum

My husband and I realized our fear of having children was related to a feeling of needing to control everything in our lives. We decided to let go of control and trust that God would care for us. Four babies later (including one tragic stillbirth), God has cared for us over and over. Things are tight and we definitely are not keeping up with the Joneses, but I wouldn’t trade in my life for any other version. 

Opinion: Having kids makes women happier. We need to do more to support motherhood.

I see why millennials and Gen Z are having no kids, or fewer kids and waiting longer to be parents! I am a young millennial with a graduate degree, and I felt quite alone when I had my first baby at 25. 

Hot take: I think having kids would actually solve a lot of problems for millennials and Gen Z. Having kids is better for you than you think. Having kids makes you grow up. Having kids teaches you to put others before yourself. Having kids enhances your life instead of limiting it, and the limitations that children do place on your life build your character. Having kids gives your life more meaning and purpose and joy and love than you could imagine before that baby is placed in your arms for the first time. Having a baby is a life-altering, soul-shaking, profound experience.

More people should try it!

— Kallie Bennett, 31, Amarillo, Texas

This piece was submitted as part of USA TODAY’s Forum, a new space for conversation. See what we’re talking about at usatoday.com/forum and share your perspective at [email protected].