Very tough discussion. The world has changed so much in the past 30 - 40 years, and I guess we have to change the way we think.
We chose not to have children, and have never regretted the decision. I didn't feel we were mature or responsible enough, and didn't have the means to raise a family for many years. I agree 100% that there are too many irresponsible "kids" having children. The problem is they don't take any responsibility.. they figure mom and dad or sister will raise the babies for them, so they can finish school and party with their friends, lead their lives like before. I feel very sorry for older adults that are raising grandchildren. And not because they can't do it or don't love the kids, but because these are supposed to be their "golden years".. when they can travel or do what they missed while they were raising their children. They are missing out on their own dreams.
I also have to agree that a stay at home mom has got to be the best option. Obviously not everyone can do this... but it's got to be optimal. My mom stayed home with us. And she knew what we were doing all the time, and could usually catch us BEFORE we did stupid things or got into trouble. And when we did get in trouble, we got to suffer the circumstances. Nothing will teach you to make better decisions than that. When parents shield their kids, and don't make them suffer their mistakes, what does that teach the kids? That no matter what they do wrong, someone will get them out of trouble. NOT a good thing to learn for your future. So much is going on with people's lives, I don't know how anyone has time to raise a family. Parents can't spend the time / effort to raise their kids, so they blame someone else when something goes wrong... like a teacher. How can any parent bond with their kids when they put them in day care when they're six months old? Now some stranger is raising their kids while they work, get stressed out, don't want the aggravation after a day of work of trying to solve their kids problems. So kids go on the internet without supervision and find all kinds of trouble to get into.
I can't even fathom a high schooler going home, getting a gun and going to his school and shooting his teachers and classmates. What can be going on in that youngsters mind? Very sad.. and scary.