Students express concerns about starting families amidst financial worries in Finland

Becoming a parent can be daunting for young adults, as expressed by students from Metropolia University of Applied Sciences when asked about their plans for starting a family. One student, Veera Saarinen, shared her concerns: “Even though I’m studying and on track to have a good career, I still find it hard to trust in the future, especially with a child. It feels overwhelming.”

Many young people cite various worries that prevent them from starting families, including fears surrounding the climate crisis, cuts to social and healthcare services, and the responsibilities that come with parenting.

Recent reports by Yle highlight findings from Anna Rotkirch, a research director at the Population Research Institute, who emphasizes the need for financial incentives in Finland to encourage having a first child before the age of 30. The proposed incentive would range from €10,000 to €30,000 and could be linked to housing or student loans, tax benefits, or retirement savings.

Additionally, Rotkirch suggests implementing a national screen time recommendation, providing prompt assistance for mental health issues, and offering couples therapy for young adults as strategies to boost birth rates.