The U.S. cares nothing for children, despite all the lip service. I didn’t marry my son’s father nor did he pay child support until my son was 9. I had a small settlement that got us through the first year. Then I worked part-time, then two jobs, then finally became a school counselor when he was 5 so I’d have his school holidays. I’m just now making g better money, and he’s 30, with $60,000 in college debt. I fully agree with all you’ve written.