1. Making Decisions About Parenthood

2. How does having a child affect all aspects of a parent’s life?
Day to day living
Example – feeding takes up a lot of time and energy as the child requires food around the clock
Everything revolves around the baby’s schedule
Lose your personal
freedom

3. Affects your job – will you stay at home and give up your job?
Emotional adjustments
A new relationship to form

4. What are the rewards of parenthood?
Brings many joys
Feelings of happiness, pride, and love

5. Before having a child you should think about:

6. Emotional maturity
Someone else’s needs before your own without expecting anything in return
Holding your temper

7. Management skills
Needs versus wants
Your goals
Resources

8. Desire for parenthood Why do I want a child?
Solve marriage trouble? – adds depth
To be loved? – to love
To be a somebody? - I already feel good about myself and it will be rewarding
To take care of me when I’m old? – life long bond
My parents want grand children? – I want to be a parent

9. Finances Can I afford the additional costs?
Am I happy with bringing a child into my current living situation?

10. Health
Risks if under 17 or over 35