Also considering the other sub-thread, it does appear that having kids will incentivize consuming more. There are gaping needs that are most easily solved with big cars, big houses, etc., and I don't think it's necessarily productive to chastise anyone for not going out of your way to avoid these choices.

For people who are considering having kids in the future and care about consuming less, consider that the largest positive ecological impact you can probably make is to have fewer kids. It's important to consider this before deciding on kids, because once they're around, the house is stacked against you in terms of switching to (or retaining) low-consumption habits.

I always hear this. Yet some families manage to travel or sail the world with a few belongings. It's just social pressure, not vital need.