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What is Parenthood?

What is Parenthood? • Parenthood: The state of being a parent, which begins when one has a child by birth or adoption. • Parenting: Caring for children and helping them develop.

Parenthood Brings Changes • New Responsibilities – A child needs physical care, financial support, love and guidance. • Changes in Lifestyle – New parents need to adjust to having to care for a child

Parenthood Brings Changes (Continued) • Emotional Adjustments – Parents may feel conflicting emotions, such as, • • • Fear of not being a good parent frustration at the loss of personal freedom Worry over money matters Jealousy of the baby and the attention it gets Depression due to exhaustion or physical changes

Parenthood Brings Changes (Continued) • Changes in Relationships – Changes occur within the parent’s relationships as well as with other people • Changes at Work – Parents may need to cut back on hours or adjust their schedules to care for the new baby. • Rewards of Parenthood • Parenthood brings many joys

Decisions about Parenthood Prospective parents need: • Emotional maturity – Parents need to be responsible enough to put someone else’s needs before their own. • Desire for parenthood – Parents need to consider if they want children and for what reasons.

Decisions about Parenthood (Continued) • Health considerations – Parents should analyze their own health before having children. • Financial concerns: – Children are expensive – Parents need to analyze the costs of raising children and how to budget for their growing family.