Families come in many shapes and sizes, but there is a big difference between growing your family by welcoming friends and blood relatives into your family unit than there is starting a family by having a child of your own. Having your own child is a huge commitment, one that needs to be taken into consideration and with planning.
Signs that you are ready to start a family
There are a few key signs that you are ready to start a family by bringing a new life into the world. These signs apply regardless of whether you are hoping to have your own baby or to adopt.
1. Do You Want Children?
The first question to ask is if you and your partner want children. It is okay if the answer is ultimately no. Being pressured into having children is not the right way to start a family. The best way is when you want them because you need to be happy to go through the effort, time, and financial obligations that bringing a child into the world entails. Raising a child also requires a lot of emotional labor, so you need to be ready to give that. Never have a child simply because you feel pressured to have one, and similarly, don’t have one if you are pressuring your partner to have one.
2. Are You Financially Prepared?
Raising a child is expensive. It is always possible to make do, of course, but it is far better for you and your child if you are financially secure and prepared before they come into the world (or into your home). Start a savings fund for your child-to-be, and start to investigate the various methods you can keep costs low. By opening a bank account for a child with debit card
you can teach your child to manage their own money safely when they are old enough.
There are government support options, as well as businesses that offer various levels of support.
3. Do You Have a Support System?
You need a support system in place. If you don’t have one in your family or in your friends, don’t worry. There are groups and community options near you. Go online to find a group that will allow you to have emotional and physical support.
What happens if you aren’t ready to start a family?
There will be instances where a family is coming whether you are ready for it or not. If you technically want it in the future but are worried about not being ready, then don’t worry. You will be able to make it happen, and you aren’t alone. Relying on your family, and on friends, and even the new mom friends that you will make, will get you through those uncertain first months or even years.
You can visit one of the best abortion clinics to learn about that option or can look into adoption options for those wanting to adopt so that your baby can have the good life you just aren’t ready or capable of giving them.
What happens if you cannot safely bring a baby to term?
There are many reasons why couples, or singles, cannot have children. When infertility issues are at the heart of it, it can be tragic. However, you can seek assistance from egg and sperm banks like Cryos International to find out if a fertility treatment would be a good option for you. Alternatively, you can also consider adoption, or maybe even surrogate conception.
Photo by Ben Wicks on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
