No kids, no problem?
DINKs — the acronym for couples with dual incomes and no kids — prioritize their careers, personal desires and travel experiences over starting families.
One married couple has been boasting about the perks that come with their childless lifestyles and discretionary incomes, such as spontaneous vacations, expensive lattes and eight hours of shuteye.
“We’re DINKs, we get into snobby hobbies like skiing and golfing,” personal finance content creator John Eringman, 28, bragged in a divisive viral video posted this week. “We’re DINKs, we’re already planning our European vacation next year.”
Other people are less enthusiastic about the couple’s decision not to procreate, including Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk, a father of 11 children.
“There is an awful morality to those who deliberately have no kids: they are effectively demanding that other people’s kids take care of them in their old age,” Musk, 52, posted on X this week in response to Eringman’s video. “That’s messed up.”
The Post reached out to Musk and Eringman for comment.
Eringman’s 35-second gloat has gone viral with 2.2 million views on TikTok, prompting a parents versus DINKs virtual showdown.
One TikToker, whose profile reads “Official DINKS,” voiced her preference for sleeping in and spending her income on herself, while bristling at the prospect of coming home from a long day at work only to have to care for another human being.
Another childfree content creator touted her passion for home improvement projects, nail appointments, Botox injections and luxe skin care products — which she said she wouldn’t be able to afford if she had kids.
“I’ve crunched some numbers and come to the conclusion that kids would financially RUIN me,” she captioned her video.
These online arguments underscore statistics that show the US birth rate dropped from 14.3 births per 1,000 people in 2007 to 11.1 births in 2022 — a decline of nearly 23%.
Millennials and Gen Zers have shown more reluctance about having children compared to their parents, citing climate change, student debt and inflation as some of the reasons behind their decisions.
“I think it is an unambiguously positive thing for people who don’t want kids to not have them,” one user posted on X in response to Eringman’s video.
“Maybe some people just don’t want kids,” another wrote. “Like flat out don’t want any at all and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s so annoying when people hit them with ‘Oh in (x) years you’re gonna want some and can’t have any.’ “
Others defended having children.
“SIK (single income with kids): there is no greater alignment of purpose in the universe, and sacrificing and working for the people you love the most is the pinnacle of human existence. grateful for family and responsibility that comes with it,” one person tweeted.
“Congrats on being a #DINK if you are one (Dual Income No Kids),” another enthused.
“Just so you know, I’m quite happy being a parent of 2 kids. Easily the best thing I’ve ever done in this life is help create these kids & love them infinitely. They [amaze] me everyday. Enjoy your latte.”