How do folks feel about bringing children into this world?

[tk2kewl]

My wife wants to have a child and I am kinda freak out. I have always wanted children. I felt pretty optimistic during the 90s and thought I would surely marry and have a family, but times have changed dramatically.

I will be 40 this year my wife is 37. We are by no account rich but we are better off than many. However, the future economy of this country (and world) scares the hell out of me, and I am not looking forward to working into my 70s to pay off the cost of educating children.

That said, I was born into extremely uncertain times (1965) and I am thankful my parents had me. My brothers and I were all out of college however while my parents were in their early 50s.

I am an Irish citizen as well as an American, and have thought seriously the last year or so about having a family in Europe where there is a more socialized education system, but the decline of dollar has reduced the value of assets, and my age is beginning to work against me in the job market, so I might take a hit in the standard-of-living department.

I would appreciate any thoughts/experiences folks are willing to share.

Thanks