Its not about the number; its about the contract you sign with the devil. Of course its easier to use the system, but its completely unnecessary for them until they are old enough to become an employee. In the meantime a parent has time to collect the information to their child's benefit. There are alternative ways to exist in the country without being a SSA slave, and if it means 17% of your child's lifetime of labor, one should consider educating them of ways to avoid it.
We can't be held responsible for ignorance, I don't blame you for not understanding it when the time came for your decision. It was more difficult to exist outside the machine before #bitcoin, but its becoming easier; No more need for bank accounts. Educate your wives, they need to be equally yoked with you on this effort.
I'm not writing to inflict guilt, but to educate those that have the opportunity to effect real change directly in your children's lives.