7 Ways to Tell You're Ready to Have Children ...

I believe that children are your legacy, your immortality, what you leave behind in the world to make your mark. And while as a parent, I’ve made plenty of mistakes, the one I regret the most is having my oldest daughter years before I was ready. I was just so young, far too young to know what a good mother is. I did my best, and today my daughter is the most amazing person… but I ought to have waited until I was ready. But how do you know when you’re ready? What are the signs you should look for, the questions you should ask yourself? Here are 7 ways to tell you’re ready to have children.

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You’re Financially Stable

You’re Financially Stable Photo Credit: danielleanthony

Let’s face it. Kids are expensive. They require a lot of money to raise, and I’m not just talking GameBoys and designer wardrobes. I mean from the get-go, like diapers, onesies, and doctor visits. Before you have children, take a long hard look at your financial situation. Can you afford to raise a child? And do NOT consider the income or support of a father — can you do it on your own? If not, then wait until you can… or at least until you’re pretty sure you can at least handle the basics on your own.

You Have a Good Partner

You Have a Good Partner Photo Credit: Kevin N. Murphy

Whether you plan to marry or not, you absolutely must be choosy in who you choose to father your children, and unless you plan to go it totally alone and use a sperm donor, you must make sure the father-to-be is in agreement with you. If you’re hoping he’ll warm to the idea once you’re pregnant, stop now. Bad idea. Make sure you AND daddy are both ready, and that he’s a willing and able participant in your parent plans.

Frequently asked questions

You Have the Time

You Have the Time Photo Credit: *Duffy*

Can you take time off of work to raise your child, and do you have the time to devote to spend with your new little one? Even if you plan to put your sweet baby into daycare at six weeks, bear in mind that after your work day is over, you’ll still have to take care of everything else, from dinner, bath, and bedtime to dinner, homework, and chores… if you’d rather spend your time reading or playing video games, then maybe you ought to consider waiting til you have more time to spend, dedicated to little ones only.

You Have a Support System

You Have a Support System Photo Credit: bowtoo

Whether daddy plans to be in the picture or not, you need to make sure you have a support system and a plan in place before you decide to have a baby. While not everyone may agree that you ought to have a baby now, or soon, you need to know who you can rely on, and for what.

You’re Healthy Enough for It

You’re Healthy Enough for It Photo Credit: primuscare

Women’s health issues have been in the spotlight for years now, but many of us don’t get the care we should, especially when planning for a family. As soon as you start to seriously debate the mommy issue, visit your doctor and ask if you are healthy enough to have children.

You’re Old Enough, Chronologically and Mentally

You’re Old Enough, Chronologically and Mentally Photo Credit: tapper22

It’s a proven fact that women should not attempt to have children before they’re physically ready — the damage an early pregnancy can cause is sometimes irreversible, emotionally and physically. It can be tragic…

You’re Not Doing It for the Wrong Reasons

You’re Not Doing It for the Wrong Reasons Photo Credit: ~ Hollis ~ ♥.

Before deciding to move forward with a planned pregnancy, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Do you want a baby to keep a flailing marriage together, or to push a hesitant boyfriend to the altar? These are examples of bad ideas to have a child.

Once you’ve got all your ducks in a row, and know you’re ready to have a child, prepare for the roller coaster that is pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. There’s nothing as rewarding and joyful as being a parent, and nothing as difficult and bittersweet. Be sure you’re ready (as ready as you can be, anyway) before taking the plunge… and get ready! It’s amazing. How did you know you were ready to have children? Please share with me!

Top Photo Credit: Anna Keeton LLP

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