California Gazette

Opinion

Opinion

Is There a ‘Right Time’ to Start a Family?

Is There A Right Time To Start A Family? What Research Actually Says

The question of whether there is a right time to start a family has followed adults for decades, and research shows it rarely has a simple answer. Age, finances, career stability, health, relationships, and cultural expectations all influence how people think about timing. Studies across sociology, economics, psychology, and public health consistently point to one conclusion: there is no universal moment that guarantees better outcomes, only trade-offs that vary by individual circumstances. Modern research has