The American Dream was always a beautiful one: mom, dad, two kids, a big house, nice car and a well-behaved golden retriever for good measure. For millennials, however, that dream has changed.
While many still hope to recreate that ideal, millennials prioritize quality over quantity. Both moms and dads value time with their kids — in some cases, opting to wait years until they’re able to create the best environment to start a family. Overall, millennials are also more focused on experiences, strong social bonds and self care.
The result of all these factors? More young people today are delaying marriage and child-rearing, spending a greater portion of their 20s focused on personal development and social bonds. More 20-somethings than ever are also drawn by the allure of city life.
One study found that nearly 60 percent of millennials have migrated away from their hometowns. Because of this, when millennials are ready to start families, they’re often too far removed from parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents to rely on them for help. In place of familial support, millennials are turning to a network of friends and fellow parents instead — and here's why.