Being a parent is no minor decision to make. Once you have a child, everything will no longer be about you or your significant other.
Every decision you make will be based on your child‘s well-being and happiness. You might think that it’s not that hard, but nothing can be further from the truth.
Being a parent means many sleepless nights, a lack of time for yourself, messy homes, spending your hard-earned money, and from time to time, moments that could drive you to insanity.
However, being a parent also means unlimited smiles and cuddles and learning how to become responsible and selfless.
The important question is this: how would you know if you’re ready to become a parent? The following are some signs that signify you are ready.
Deep down, you do want to become a parent.
You might now say it out loud, but a part of you knows that you do want to have a child, even if thinking about it also gives you a bit of anxiety.
Naturally, deciding to bring a child into this world can be frightening. It is probably the most significant life change you can ever experience.
In addition, everything that will follow is unpredictable and uncertain.
Even those who have been planning for parenthood for a long time and really yearn to have a child experience moments of uncertainty and fear.
After all, we are all just human. But instead of asking if you are ready to have a child, ask if yourself if you “want” to have a child.
You have a sense of responsibility.
Becoming a parent involves great responsibilities that will last for a lifetime. Your decisions, attitude, words, and choices will all have an effect on your child and how he or she develops.
So if you are not responsible with your own life right now while you are not a parent yet, and you are not willing to start being responsible, then you are not ready to have a child.
You are willing to change, learn, and grow.
They say the only constant thing in life is change. When you become a parent, you will go through so many things that will change you.
You won’t be able to know exactly what it is, when it will happen, and how. There is really no way to prepare for it.
The important thing is whether or not you are willing to change and grow. If you are willing to face everything parenthood involves, then you are ready to have a child.
You are ready to make sacrifices.
This is perhaps the most important part of becoming a parent. Can you imagine having to carry a child inside you for nine months?
You will experience morning sickness, stomach pains, and mood swings during pregnancy.
Then you will go through excruciating labor pains to give birth. In some cases, you will even have to undergo surgery.
Once you have a child, you will not be able to do many of the things you used to do. The majority of your time will be dedicated to your child.
You will need to breastfeed every hour. If your child cries, you will have to wake up even if you are tired and sleepy.
No more partying out until the wee hours of the morning.
When you badly want to buy some new clothes, but all you have left until the next paycheck is just enough to buy your child’s diapers and needs, you will put your child first.
Once you become a parent, you will have to make countless sacrifices. If you don’t think you are willing to sacrifice this much, then you are not ready to have a child.
You are financially literate and responsible.
Being a parent isn’t just about being good with a child. It also involves being good at handling money. This is because raising a child is expensive.
Multivitamins, formula milk, diapers, vaccinations, pediatric checkups, and not to mention baby clothes are more expensive than adult clothes.
Once your child enters the toddler stage, you will start having to spend for play school. The expenses will never end. Thus, you have to be good at managing your money.
You have to develop a budget, have the discipline to stick to it and make ends meet during tough times. In addition, you have to be financially literate.
You have to know that there is no such thing as job security. What if you lose your source of income?
What’s going to happen next? Do you have a backup plan?
Or what if something happens to you, say an accident? Who’s going to take care of your child? This is why you should have multiple streams of income.
Sell everything you don’t need such as pre-loved clothes, shoes, bags, or furniture. Not only will you be able to get rid of stuff you no longer need, but you will also be able to make extra cash.
In addition, you should see to it that you have health care coverage and life insurance in the event of accidents or untimely death.
You are capable of loving.
This may sound silly, but it’s actually very significant. If you had an unhappy childhood, it would be difficult for you to love others to the best of your ability.
Some of us may have had negligent parents or maybe experienced bullying or abuse. These experiences can leave very painful and deep wounds.
Such people tend to build walls around them because they are afraid of getting hurt again. This makes it hard for them to be the best version of themselves and love deeply.
To know if you are ready to become a parent, ask yourself honestly if you are capable of loving.
Note that even if you have painful memories or experiences in the past, you can heal through therapy, self-reflection, and being in the company of people you care about and make you happy.
Wounds heal and walls can be broken down. Of course, there is no specific checklist that will make you the perfect parent.
Even if you satisfy the above-mentioned conditions, you may still make mistakes or unwise decisions in parenthood.
The important thing is that you learn from your mistakes, you are willing to grow and make sacrifices, and you are willing to start over again.
If you have found this article to be useful make sure to read articles on related topics linked below.
Very early indicators of pregnancy
The symptoms experienced during the first month of pregnancy
Leave a Reply