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?

FreedomI won’t be able to go

out like I do now

Personal Experiences My childhood wasn’t

goodI 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 Not involved in risky

behaviorsFree of diseases Is the mother’s body

healthy enough to support a fetus?

Best age is between 18 and 34

Mental HealthRecognize realities of

parenthood

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

ConsiderationsSocial activities will

change after you have a baby

Activities often become “child-centered”

Family closeness

Financial ConsiderationsMoney for medical

costs during pregnancy and birth

Adequate place to live Room for child and

equipment Save money

When Are You Ready? Career Plans

What kind of job 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?

Goals Long term goalsEducation CareerFinancial Do we both want

kids? If so, how many?

Decision Making Process1. Identify the Problem

Should we have a child?

2. Identify Alternatives a. Try to conceive immediatelyb. Delay pregnancyc. Do not have a child

3. Analyze Consequencesa. having a child changes your lifeb. Difficulty conceiving later on c. not experience the reward of parenting

4. Make the Decision*Prioritize your goals

5. Evaluate Results*How did this work out for us? *Can we change our minds later on?