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An X post linking a Rs 2.5 lakh Japan school trip and Rs 90,000 Goa vacation to shrinking family sizes has sparked a debate on parenting costs and priorities.
Many argued the issue is more about lifestyle choices than affordability. (Image: X/AG
@alkagurha and Representational)
A post on X about the cost of raising children in urban India has triggered a wider conversation online about parenting choices and family planning. The discussion began after a user shared the expenses a friend had incurred for her son’s school trips and shopping, suggesting that such costs may be one reason why many couples choose to have only one child.
While some people agreed that bringing up children has become increasingly expensive, others argued that the examples mentioned reflected lifestyle choices rather than unavoidable expenses. The post soon turned into a debate on modern parenting, education preferences and changing expectations among families.
The Post Highlighted Rising Expenses
X user AG shared details about a friend’s spending on her son’s school activities and travel experiences.
“Friend paid 2.5 lacs for her son’s school trip to Japan. Class 8. Plus extra 50 k for shopping. He bought a branded limited edition shoe for 19 k in Japan. 3 months ago she paid 90 k for Goa, 3 N, plus cash for expenses. Is it any surprise people have only one kid?” AG wrote on X.
The post quickly drew attention, with users discussing whether high spending on children is becoming the norm in urban households or whether it remains a personal choice.
Social Media Users Questioned The Argument
Many people felt that the examples shared in the post did not accurately reflect the financial realities of most families.
A user commented, “Families which can spend this money on one child can easily afford another. It’s the people who can’t afford, are the ones suffering.”
Another wrote, “If affordability was an issue, he wouldn’t have bought a 19k limited edition shoe.”
Several users said parents often choose premium schools and experiences for their children, even when more affordable alternatives are available.
A person remarked, “People can easily go to a less expensive school and have two kids. Its the mentality of having one kid and spoiling them rotten, that too only in terms of money/ hyper consumerism. Kids really only need friends, fresh air, home cooked food, books, they’re getting everything but!”
Another said, “These is absolutely no correlation. Parents who can afford to do these things have enough money to raise a second child. Money isn’t the problem.”
Friend paid 2.5 lacs for her son’s school trip to Japan. Class 8. Plus extra 50 k for shopping. He bought a branded limited edition shoe for 19 k in Japan.3 months ago she paid 90 k for Goa, 3 N, plus cash for expenses.Is it any surprise people have only one kid?
— AG (@alkagurha) June 7, 2026
The Debate Shifted To Parenting Choices
Some users also pointed out that international school trips are generally linked to specific educational boards and private institutions.
“This international trip is only on IB schools. Why are people spending so much to send kids to international schools. Why not stay in icse or cbse schools? It’s a choice made by the parents. Kids don’t decide their schools parents do,” a user wrote.
“Other kids go to Shimla in 10,000…Many go to local park once in a Yr without paying anything. It’s matter of availability of money and choices parents make,” commented another.
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