By: Lizzie Cernik
Babies might be cute, but it’s not all photograph sessions, pretty hats and flower pots. Even the most dedicated parents are often unprepared for the sleepless nights and trials and tribulations that lie ahead. So how can you be sure if you’re really ready to take on the challenge?
Don’t do it because your friends are doing it
A baby isn’t a new Prada handbag, you don’t need one just because your best friend has. If you’ve never considered having children before, there’s no need to rush into it just because you’ve seen the upsides. By all means starts having a serious think about it but don’t treat it as the baby race challenge. Peer pressure may have been responsible for that hideous 1999 haircut, but it’s not a reason to start a family.
Be realistic
For many women, having a child will be the most incredible thing they ever do. But that doesn’t mean it’s all a bed of roses. There’s a romantic misconception when it comes to pregnancy and birth which isn’t there in reality. Make sure you’re with a loving supportive man and you both swot up on what to expect. From the stresses of labour to six months of no sleep, you need to prepare yourself for every eventuality.
Make sure you’re financially stable
Nobody’s saying you need to be a millionaire to bring up a happy family, but babies don’t come cheap. If you’re still living your life from paycheck to paycheck it may not be time to have a child just yet. Having kids requires thought and preparations so you’ll need to get scrimping and saving if you’re serious about a family.
Think about your career
Does your company offer good maternity benefits? Can you go back to work after you’ve had a baby? Do you have adequate medical insurance? These are questions you need to consider before you jump into the baby making game. The last thing you want is to be stumped with extensive hospital bills or difficulty getting time away from the office.
Have a support system
You might have a loving partner, but it’s also a good idea to have friends or family around you. Having a baby can be stressful and requires lots of your energy. Before you conceive ensure you’ll have a support system to help you out if you need it.
Be willing to give up your freedom
If you’re the kind of couple that jets off to India every weekend, you need to be sure you’re ready to give this up. Nobody’s saying it’s a complete end to exotic holidays, but having a family requires commitment and a steady routine. Playing scrabble with your kids on a Saturday can be more rewarding as travelling the globe, but only when you’re ready.
Babies might be cute, but it’s not all photograph sessions, pretty hats and flower pots. Even the most dedicated parents are often unprepared for the sleepless nights and trials and tribulations that lie ahead. So how can you be sure if you’re really ready to take on the challenge?
Don’t do it because your friends are doing it
A baby isn’t a new Prada handbag, you don’t need one just because your best friend has. If you’ve never considered having children before, there’s no need to rush into it just because you’ve seen the upsides. By all means starts having a serious think about it but don’t treat it as the baby race challenge. Peer pressure may have been responsible for that hideous 1999 haircut, but it’s not a reason to start a family.
Be realistic
For many women, having a child will be the most incredible thing they ever do. But that doesn’t mean it’s all a bed of roses. There’s a romantic misconception when it comes to pregnancy and birth which isn’t there in reality. Make sure you’re with a loving supportive man and you both swot up on what to expect. From the stresses of labour to six months of no sleep, you need to prepare yourself for every eventuality.
Make sure you’re financially stable
Nobody’s saying you need to be a millionaire to bring up a happy family, but babies don’t come cheap. If you’re still living your life from paycheck to paycheck it may not be time to have a child just yet. Having kids requires thought and preparations so you’ll need to get scrimping and saving if you’re serious about a family.
Think about your career
Does your company offer good maternity benefits? Can you go back to work after you’ve had a baby? Do you have adequate medical insurance? These are questions you need to consider before you jump into the baby making game. The last thing you want is to be stumped with extensive hospital bills or difficulty getting time away from the office.
Have a support system
You might have a loving partner, but it’s also a good idea to have friends or family around you. Having a baby can be stressful and requires lots of your energy. Before you conceive ensure you’ll have a support system to help you out if you need it.
Be willing to give up your freedom
If you’re the kind of couple that jets off to India every weekend, you need to be sure you’re ready to give this up. Nobody’s saying it’s a complete end to exotic holidays, but having a family requires commitment and a steady routine. Playing scrabble with your kids on a Saturday can be more rewarding as travelling the globe, but only when you’re ready.
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