Chapter 5 Personal Readiness Personal Choosing Readiness Parental

Chapter 5 Personal Readiness

�Personal �Choosing Readiness (Parental readiness) to be a parent: Make this choice when you are ready and sure this is the best for you and the child. �Have you and your partner talked about having children and both are happy with the idea. �You feel that you have achieved your personal goals and are ready to give you the freedom and independence you have now

◦ Psychological Maturity ◦ 1. When the mother has reaches a stage of emotional maturity that allows her to care for the child with out regard to shallow or superflous things. ◦ 2. When the parents have reached a level of selflessness. That they put the child first over lesser priorities. ◦ Signs of maturity include; �You maintain control of your emotions �You can set aside your own needs for someone else �Do you have a positive out look on life

�Wrong child Reasons to have a ◦ To prove adulthood ◦ To please someone else ◦ For emotional benefits ◦ To escape a situation: to get out ◦ It trap someone into a relationship ◦ To be like everyone else.

�Right Reasons : �To share a bond of love �You truly want to be a parent for the rest of your life �You enjoy teaching and loving and it will add to your life.

�Making the decision! Think it through carefully � 1. Identify (define) the decision to be make. � 2. List the options: Options is another way to say alternatives � 3. Weigh the pros and cons of each option � 4. Consider your values � 5. Make the decision and take action � 6. Evaluate the result and take responsibility for the outcomes (consequences)

�Health of the Mother and Baby ◦ 1. Are you generally healthy ◦ 2. Do you eat a nutritious diet ◦ 3. Live a lifestyle free of drugs and alcohol ◦ 4. Would the baby be at risk for any inherited disorder. ◦ 5. Would the baby be at risk from other family members who abuse alcohol and drugs?

�The � 1. � 2. Relationship Are you in a committed relationship. Have you had time to become a couple (2 to 3 years together) to be a stable relationship. � 3. Is the relationship comfortable and respectful � 4. Do you work to settle disagreement. � 5. Do you agree on how to raise the child. �(how many to have, dividing the responsibility's, discipline, education, and religion.

�Goals and exploring Life �Having children before you have had a change to explore life or to achieve your personal goals can cause resentment. �Question yourself first: � 1. Have you reached your educational goals. � 2. Have you explore your possibility's � 3. Are you happy?

�Financial Considerations: � 1. Is there study income � 2. Does it meet expenses � 3. Are you able to save with all of your expenses? � 4. Do you have health insurance? � 5. Can you cover the cost of pregnancy � 6. Housing and space � 7. Child care vs staying home.

�Can you afford the things that go with having a baby and raising a child? �How much does it cost to raise a child to the age of 18+? �Food, supply's (diapers, clothing) �The cost of child care �Loss of income if one parent stays home �Educational cost �Incidental cost: Zoo, toys, DVD’s, candy �Housing Cost