Most people would agree that we’re living in a world that presents some serious challenges. Unless you have familial or generational wealth, maybe you’re not making enough money to live in a relatively comfortable lifestyle. Many individuals work multiple jobs, while others can’t afford to buy a house.
In the face of such issues, some people shy away from having children. Over 160 million women have used Mirena, while others use other contraceptive methods.
In times like these, how might you know when or if you’re ready to take the plunge and become a parent? It’s not a decision you should make lightly, nor can you do it halfway. You can’t have half a baby. You either go through with it or you don’t.
Let’s talk about how you might know you’re ready to give parenthood a try. There’s no mathematical formula, but certain notions or concepts should probably enter into your thought process on this question.
Do You Have a Partner You Love and Trust?
First, let’s talk about whether you have a partner with whom you might choose to raise a child. It’s perfectly possible that you can raise a child as a single parent. Many people do it. It’s not easy, though, as any of them would probably tell you.
There’s a reason why the two-parent family unit has such a long and storied history. In theory, it’s easier if one person has most of the child-rearing duties, while the other partner or spouse has a job.
Someone might still hold down a job while handling most of the child-rearing duties, but that becomes much more difficult. Even if they can set up a situation where they’re working from home, a baby takes a lot of your time and energy.
If you have a spouse or partner whom you love and trust, then that’s a point in the favor of having a child. If you know you must handle all the tasks associated with raising the baby as a single parent, that’s much harder.
Do You Have a Plan for What Your Life Will Look Like with a Child?
Whether you plan to raise the child with another individual or on your own, can you envision how your life will look with a new baby? You should think that about not in a general sense, but in a very specific one.
Consider what your everyday routine might look like if you have a child. When will you feed the baby, bathe them, and do everything else that they need? Will you still have time to cook, clean the house, and everything else that goes into responsible adulthood?
How Do Your Finances Look?
You should consider your financial situation as well. Do you have any money in savings? Do you own your own home? Do you have a mortgage or do you pay monthly rent if you’re living in an apartment?
If you’re barely covering rent or your mortgage payments every month, plus the cost of food, utilities, and so forth, then it’s almost a foregone conclusion that you shouldn’t have a child. You will need to find a better-paying job or additional income streams in order to consider bringing another human life into the world.
What’s Your Age?
Maybe you’re on the older side as well. If you have a child in your early 20s, then you’re usually much stronger and more vital than if you have one in your early 40s.
Getting up each morning usually feels different when you’re 22 versus when you’re 42. In your early 20s, you can get by on a few hours of sleep or less. It’s much more challenging when you’re older.
What’s Your Physical Condition?
Your physical condition also plays a part. You can look at having a baby like running a marathon. If you’re in excellent shape, then you can do it much more easily. If you’re not in such great shape, then perhaps you can still do it, but it will take a Herculean effort.
If you have chronic pain or similar health issues, then you have to look at the reality of what that will resemble with a child in your life. If you have herniated discs in your back, for instance, you need to think about what it will feel like to have to chase after a toddler and pick them up all the time.
You must consider these factors carefully when making your decision.
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