Parenthood: Is it for you?

What is Parenthood? The state of being a parent Any person who becomes a mother or father of a biological or an adopted child enters into parenthood

Parenthood Brings New Responsibilities A child’s needs for physical care, financial support, love and guidance continues until adulthood New parents need to manage their time, money, energy, knowledge, and skills on meeting their responsibilities

Making Decisions About Parenthood Deciding whether or not to become a parent is one of the most important decisions more people ever make People need to take a realistic look at themselves The decision of whether to have children and when to have them depend on these 5 characteristics: 1.Emotional maturity 2.Desire for Parenthood 3.Health 4.Management Skills 5.Finances

Emotional Maturity Being responsible enough to put someone else’s needs before your own Being secure enough to devote your full attention to an infant without expecting to receive attention/appreciation in return Age is no guarantee of emotional maturity

Desire for Parenthood Parents need to ask themselves certain questions to know if they are ready to have children:  Are there expectations of parenthood realistic?  Are they equipped to handle the pressures and responsibilities involved?  Are they having any doubts about having a baby?  Are they ready to give up their social life?  Do I really want to be a parent?  Why do I want a child now?

Complete “The Personal Choice” Handout

Sound and Unsound Reasons for Wanting Children Write down as many reasons you can think of why people have children  Make sure you include good reasons and bad reasons  Share!

Unsound Reasons for Wanting Children Our marriage is in trouble; maybe this will solve our problem A baby is someone who will love me and belong to me I feel like I’m nobody; being a parent will make me somebody I want someone who will take care of me when I’m old Our parents want grandchildren

Sound Reasons to Have Children Having children will add depth to our relationship, which is already strong I want to give a baby my care and love I feel good about myself; I believe that parenthood will be a meaningful and rewarding experience I want to experience the special bond between parent and child that lasts a lifetime I love children and I want to be a parent

Health Considerations Parents need to consider their health records before having a baby Age of mother should be considered  If she is under 17 or over 35, pregnancy is risky for both the mother and child

Management Skills Because parenting is such a complex task, it requires good management skills Parents must evaluate their family’s needs and wants, decide on the family’s goals, then find resources they can use to reach these goals

Financial Considerations Parents need skills in money management Parents need to be able to afford the numerous costs that come with a newborn baby  Most of their money will be going to the baby and his or her necessities

Individual Project Lifestyle Changes with Parenthood Project

Parenthood Quiz