Starting a Family: 6 Important Things You Should Consider

Planning for a baby can be one of the most exciting things in a couple’s life. The joy of parenthood is truly great, and a lot of people consider it to be one of the most important experiences of their life. However, welcoming a new life into your home is no small thing by any measure, and it’s really not the kind of decision that should be made in the spur of the moment if you can help it. A little planning can go a long way, and of course, you must always ask yourself—am I ready and able to provide all that’s necessary for this child to thrive in life?

If you are considering expanding your family and enjoying the role of a parent, here are some things you need to keep in mind before making the final decision.

Are you emotionally ready?

This is the most important question of all because if you aren’t emotionally ready to raise a child, nothing else really matters. Do you want to be a parent? Do you want to focus your life on protecting and providing for a small creature who will be completely dependent on you? Having doubts and feeling insecure is completely normal. After all, parenthood is anything but easy. There will probably never be a moment in your life when everything is 100% perfect, and this isn’t just about the logistics of taking care of a baby. It’s about listening to what your instincts tell you—can you imagine yourself in the role of a parent, and are you happy in this picture? If yes, then that’s a good sign.

How’s your relationship with your partner?

A baby will not fix a bad relationship. You and your partner need to be on the same page from the very beginning, and you need to love and support each other from the get-go. If things are shaky right now, it’s generally a good idea to wait and fix the problems you have by communicating and working on your relationship before thinking about children. However, if your relationship is strong and full of love, then feel free to talk about making a baby. Of course, if you plan to be a single parent, then the thing you have to consider is how will the lack of partner affect yours and your child’s life and can you provide everything for them on your own. If you believe you can, then power’s to you!

Are your finances in order?

Children are very expensive. From childcare and education to clothes, school supplies, food, and a huge number of other things you might need, having a child will put a big strain on your finances if you aren’t prepared. To plan for a baby, consider your income, your medical insurance, and the money you’ll need for basic care items—nappies, nursery furniture, toys, formula, clothing, and whether you’ll need to hire a babysitter and how often.  

Do you know what it involves?

For a healthy, happy child, you’ll need to provide the right kind of environment in which they can thrive. While the material aspects such as food and clothes are important, you also need to give them love, nurturing, and most of all, your time and patience. Of course, you need to be strong and healthy yourself if you want to be able to handle all those sleepless nights, and make sure you’re always covered in case of unexpected circumstances. When you want to prepare for a baby, it might not be a bad idea to consider getting insurance because that will help keep your family safe if something bad happens. Prepare yourself for a lot of work, because as a parent, you’re bound to get busy.

What about your career?

A baby in the house usually means a certain break from work, especially for a mother. Most of your attention will need to be focused on the newborn, so ask yourself whether you’re ready to put a pause on your career for a while. Of course, this doesn’t have to be a permanent stop, and by law, you’ll be allowed a lot of paid leave and you might even be able to get a tax break. A lot of workplaces also offer flexible hours and work from home for parents who need it, so look into this because you can actually get a lot of benefits and entitlements that can really help you in the long run.

Will you have enough support?

It takes a village to raise a child—the old adage stands true even today, so don’t be afraid to seek support. Your parents, other family members, and even your friends can jump in to help occasionally, and you can also hire childcare services and babysitters. Your baby will benefit from having a good support network of competent adults around them, so don’t start believing you’re in this all alone.

In the end, it all boils down to whether you feel ready. As we’ve mentioned before, your life will never be 100% perfect, so figure out what you want and slowly start making plans to make it come true.

Culled from Montessori Mad Men