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

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

Cost: There’s no monetary expense — only time is spent. For children under 3, that time is essentially taken up around the clock. The difficulty lies in the fact that this happens daily, not just for a few tough days.

In plain terms: 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.

Benefit: By converting daily childcare time and nighttime interruptions into hours, then multiplying by the caregiver’s hourly wage, you arrive at a number that typically exceeds the cost of formula and diapers. Even unpaid tasks like childcare, cooking, and nightly wake-ups should be treated the same way — converted to hours and multiplied by a wage figure to be included in the total cost. The calculation method mirrors that used in Section 10 for household chores. Having a clear division of labor agreed upon beforehand makes it easier to decide whether to have a child.

Evidence grade: C

Notes: The goal isn’t to produce a perfectly accurate figure. Rather, it’s to ensure both partners discuss responsibilities using the same calculation framework prior to having a child, rather than arguing about it afterward.

Sources: Author’s experience, no direct literature; see Section 10 for caliber