ARE YOU READY TO PARENT Why People Have

ARE YOU READY TO PARENT?

Why People Have Children � Life Experiences � � Your personal feelings and experiences with children � Expression of Love � The desire to have children stems from the love between two adults � Desire for Family Life – Style Other People’s Expectations � Pressure from the couple’s parents � Appeal of children � Many people are more spontaneous around children. They want this joy in their everyday lives

Why People Have Children � Economic Asset �In developing countries, children are work and money sources �Some people want someone to take care of them when they become elderly � Curiosity �What will my child be like? �What type of parent will I be?

Why People Don’t Have Kids � Long Term Goals � � Will having a child limit what I want for my future ? � Will I be able to travel? Continue my education? � Freedom � I won’t be able to go out like I do now Personal Experiences � My childhood wasn’t good � I can’t see myself as a parent � Fears � What will I look like after the pregnancy? � Complications? � How can I manage a kid, work and home?

When Are You Ready? � Level of Maturity �The condition in which a person’s body is fully developed and he/she thinks and acts reasonably, responsibly, reliably and independently �How well are you able to manage your life and various responsibilities?

When Are You Ready? � Stability of Relationship �You have a meaningful relationship with your significant other �Sure of your commitment �Children benefit from parents in a happy and stable marriage

When Are You Ready? � Physical Health � � Well-nourished � Recognize realities of parenthood � Not involved in risky behaviors � Free of diseases � Is the mother’s body healthy enough to support a fetus? � Best age is between 18 and 34 Mental Health � Emotional Health � High self-esteem � Give love without expecting it back � Control reactions to emotions � Ability to express worry and doubt

When Are You Ready? � Social Considerations � Financial Considerations � Social activities will � Money for medical change after you have a baby � Activities often become “childcentered” � Family closeness costs during pregnancy and birth � Adequate place to live � Room for child and equipment � Save money

When Are You Ready? � Career Plans � Goals � What kind of job � Long term goals should I get? � How will the child fit into work? � Will I have to travel? � What hours will I work? � What will I do when the baby is born? � Education � Career � Financial � Do we both want kids? � If so, how many?

Decision Making Process 1. Identify the Problem 4. Make the Decision 2. Identify Alternatives 5. Evaluate Results 3. Should we have a child? a. Try to conceive immediately b. Delay pregnancy c. Do not have a child Analyze Consequences a. having a child changes your life b. Difficulty conceiving later on c. not experience the reward of parenting *Prioritize your goals *How did this work out for us? *Can we change our minds later on?