CHAPTER 18 · 6 SOURCE ENTRIES

The True Cost of Raising Kids

养孩子划不划算

[← 回总目录](../README.md) 这一节算的是钱和时间两笔账。和第 10 节算结婚账一样，这里只把账拆开给你看，不替你下结论。已经怀孕、要照流程一步步办事的，看第 27 节。

18-001

Evidence Amoney

Start by claiming what you’re entitled to: the national dibao program gives 3,600 yuan per child per year until the child turns 3.

先把能领的算进来：国家育儿补贴每孩每年 3600 元，发到 3 岁

If your child was born after January 1, 2025, and is under 3 years old, you qualify for this payment. One parent or legal guardian can submit the application at the child’s hukou office. The allowance is 3,600 yuan per year per child, paid out until the child reaches age 3. No personal income tax applies to this money, and it does not count toward any dibao or similar assistance calculations.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Start by claiming what you’re entitled to: the national dibao program gives 3,600 yuan per child per year until the child turns 3.” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off

18-002

Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Maternity leave lasts 98 days; maternity benefits are paid by the maternity insurance fund based on the employer’s average monthly wage from the prior year.

产假 98 天，生育津贴由生育保险基金按单位上年度职工月平均工资发

You’re entitled to at least 98 days of maternity leave, including up to 15 days you can take before the birth. If the delivery is difficult, you get an extra 15 days. For each additional child born, you receive another 15 days of leave. The money paid during this time is called maternity benefits and comes from the maternity insurance fund. If your employer hasn’t enrolled in this insurance, they must pay the benefits themselves.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Maternity leave lasts 98 days; maternity benefits are paid by the maternity insurance fund based on the employer’s average monthly wage from the prior year.” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off

18-003

Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Important to know: Employers cannot cut pay or fire workers due to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding

知道这条：不得因怀孕、生育、哺乳降工资或者辞退

During pregnancy, after giving birth, or while breastfeeding, it is illegal for employers to cut your pay or fire you. Violators face fines ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 yuan per employee. For infants under one year old, you are entitled to one hour of breastfeeding time each day, and employers cannot assign you overtime or night shifts. Instructions on how to file a claim can be found in Section 19.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Important to know: Employers cannot cut pay or fire workers due to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding” to Future Me's calendar

One more exception feels free because the bill arrives outside the current scene.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off

18-004

Evidence Ctime-energy

The time-cost calculation is based on “whose time is being used,” not on “how hard it is”

时间账按「谁的时间被占掉」算，不按「辛不辛苦」算

Count up all the hours spent caring for the child each day, plus every nighttime wake-up call. Then multiply that total by the hourly wage of the person doing the work. The resulting figure is usually far higher than the cost of formula and diapers. That’s why it’s best to discuss how responsibilities will be divided before having a child.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “The time-cost calculation is based on “whose time is being used,” not on “how hard it is”” to Future Me's calendar

I can spend longer deciding whether to start than the small action would take.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off

18-005

Evidence CmoneySource-sensitive

Breaking down costs into three periods: ages 0–3, compulsory education, and post‑compulsory education

钱账分三段算：0 到 3 岁、义务教育、义务教育之后

For ages 0–3, most spending goes toward childcare arrangements — whether parents care for the child themselves, grandparents help out, or a professional is hired. During primary and middle school, the main expenses are housing and extracurricular activities. After that, costs center on further education pathways. Since spending patterns differ so much in each phase, lumping them together yields only an intimidating overall figure.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Breaking down costs into three periods: ages 0–3, compulsory education, and post‑compulsory education” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a little money, a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off

18-006

Evidence Cmoney

Keep separate accounts for having kids for your elders, for marriage, and for old-age security

为长辈生、为婚姻生、为养老生，各记一笔账

Others may expect you to have children, and that can certainly be one factor to consider. Yet the time and money involved are expenses you personally bear. “Relying on kids for old-age support” deserves its own separate calculation, since it hinges on another person’s financial capacity and willingness two decades down the line. Be sure to also write down the consequences of choosing not to have kids, so you can compare both sides fairly.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Keep separate accounts for having kids for your elders, for marriage, and for old-age security” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off

Source snapshot: a994b6a0c90598b0fe15cb837343f438dbf7b95d. Every original stays available in Chinese alongside the English edition.