once you have kids, even the most perfect budget can turn into a moving target. . You might set aside what you think is enough, but then a random thing comes up and suddenly you are adjusting, That is just part of the parenting game…
The reality is simple if you really want to get a greater return of your "investment" when you have a kid, is to pour that into the kid itself. Sure leaving some money to them is great feeling if you can do that, or leaving real estate, or whatever networth really, like leave something behind. But when you have a kid, the real aim is to make sure that you equip them with everything you may need, and that's the most important part.
If you can do that, then you are going to be feeling absolutely no zero doubt that you tried your best. My parents are like that, they do not feel fear, sure they will not leave me with anything but their town house, which won't be worth much honestly, but they know that they gave me a great education, which is all they wanted.
This cannot be compared to that situation, because providing a good education and sufficient needs is a parent's responsibility. Regarding investment, if we talk about investment, we will reap the rewards at the end of the story. You will get profits or returns from the concept of investment. Meanwhile, will you ask your child to work for you when you are old? Most parents are like that—they invest in their children, and in their old age, the children support their parents. In my opinion, that is not a good thing. If parents intentionally do that and ask their children to support them, they should let the children take the initiative on their own or without being asked.
Therefore, investing in that way is an outdated mindset. Providing the best for one’s children is the parents’ own responsibility. Therefore, all forms of financial preparation for the children from childhood to adulthood are the parents’ duty until the child eventually gets a job and can become independent.
On the other hand, you must prepare for your retirement or old age so as not to burden your children.