Are you ready to be a parent

Are you ready to be a parent?

 

Regardless of which method you plan on using to have a child or what your relationship status is, how do you really know if you’re ready to be a parent? Here is a list of questions you need to ask yourself in order to make sure that you are ready to have a child in the immediate future.

 

Can I give a child everything he or she needs?

 

Are you able to not only financially provide everything a child needs (kids are expensive!), but are you also able to give all the time and attention necessary for your son or daughter to have a happy childhood? These are important considerations that you need to think about. Ask yourself how you imagine yourself spending the evening, are you out with friends or home with your child? Will you be able to pay for college in 18 years or at the very least be able to afford food, clothes, school supplies and all the other necessities? If your answer is yes, you can rest assured that you will be able to provide what your child absolutely needs which means that you are well on your way to being ready for parenthood.

 

Does having a child feel like a dream come true or an obligation?

 

Do you feel as if society has placed so much pressure on you to become a mother or father, or do you know having a child will make your life complete? Societal pressures are extremely strong, but you need to make sure that parenthood is what you really want and not just something your mother has been bugging you about for the last five years.

 

How do I see myself spending time during the pregnancy?

 

Do you imagine yourself preparing the nursery, reading baby books and buying cute little clothes? Or do you see yourself trying to enjoy your last moments of freedom? Preparing yourself for your child even if you are using a surrogate or if your partner is pregnant, is a very important process in order to make sure you’re ready for parenthood. You should still be doing things for yourself during the pregnancy, but your future child should always be your main priority.

 

Do I have a strong support system?

 

Do you have family members or friends you can turn to when things get tough? Can you call someone when the baby won’t stop crying and you need emotional support? Is there someone who will babysit for you when you need a night to yourself? Having a strong support system is very important not only for you but also for your child. If you don’t have one, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t ready to have a child, but it could make things more difficult for you in the future.

 

Where is my fear coming from?

 

All parents are afraid at some point or another or even all the time during the pregnancy. It would be strange if you weren’t nervous considering it’s probably the biggest decision you will ever make. However, if your fear is associated with a sense of loss, perhaps this isn’t the right time to have a child. If you fear having less free time or feel as though you will be losing a part of yourself by having a child, you may want to consider waiting a while before making your decision.

 

Hopefully by asking yourself these questions, you can make a better decision as to whether you are ready to become a parent. If you are, then you can check out our other articles about raising a child as a single mother/father and about co-parenting.