1. Chapter 3
The Decision to parent

2. QUESTION What expectations do you have about parenthood?
Are they positive, negative or realistic?
Please explain…

3. The decision to parent
The decision to parent is one of the most significant events that can occur in a person’s life.
WHAT INFLUENCES PARENTING DECISIONS?
Desire to express marital Love
Desire to be parents
Expectations about children:
Realistic expectations
Understand the pros and the cons
Pressures from family and friends
Desire to influence the partner

4. Factors to consider …….before parenting!
Your Goals:
Short term and long term goals
Individual vs. couple goals vs. parenting goals (pg 57)
Impact of Careers:
Dual-career family?
Stay at home parent?
Impact of Finances:
children cost A LOT!
“What It Costs To Raise A Child” pg 60

5. Readiness for parenthood
Are YOU ready? Is your PARTNER ready?
THE MARITAL RELATIONSHIP:
Is our marriage strong and secure?
Are we willing to work to keep our marriage the primary relationship in our lives?
How well do we communicate?
Do we generally agree or disagree?

6. Readiness for parenthood continued
Acting With Responsibility:
Mature enough to understand what children need
Be able to guide children
Able to make sacrifices for children
Acceptance of Lifestyle Changes
Maturity of Parenting:
see Erikson’s stage 7 (appendix A, page 594)
Knowledge about Parenting:
Do you have realistic expectations about parenting?

7. YOUR AGE AND HEALTH
Biologically for women, the ages between are considered the best for childbearing.
Do you eat healthy?
Do you stay away from harmful habits
NO SMOKING!!!!!
NO DRINKING!!!!
Are you getting prenatal care?
Are you genetically predisposed to passing on a congenital disease?
Some couples do not have children because of serious health issues, or predisposition to inherited genetic disorders

8. High risk parenting Teen Parenting Delayed parenthood (over 40)
Health risks
Social and emotional problems
Education and career risks
Financial risks
Delayed parenthood (over 40)
Biological risk factors
Financial and emotional stress
Grandparents Raising Children
Half of children who live with grandparents are under 6
Results from 4 D’s: drugs, divorce, desertion, or death

9. DECISION MAKING See page 68 and 69
SPECIAL RISKS FOR TEENS AND THEIR BABIES
handout

10. WARM UP QUESTION
Ann and Eric have been married for three years and want to have a child. Ann is an architect and Eric is a lawyer. They both have high goals for their careers. They both plan to continue working after their child is born. They realize some challenges may arise.
1. What type of challenges might Ann and Eric face?
2. What can Ann and Eric do to overcome these challenges?