Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels Taking a plunge into parenthood is a dream for many and an anxious decision that others want to make but are scared to make the decision about. It takes a lot of emotional, mental, practical strength before you start a family, since it is a life-altering decision that needs a careful consideration of multiple factors. Here are some important questions to ask yourself that will make the picture of starting the journey of parenthood a clearer one for many;

Question 1: Am I financially stable to take this step?

In today’s ever-so-evolving world, when even the basic necessities come at a hefty cost, raising a child is indeed a significant financial responsibility. You need to evaluate and assess whether you have a stable source of income as well as decent savings to provide for all the needs a child will have in the near and far future. A lot of factors like healthcare, education, housing, etc. are to be taken into consideration.

Question 2: What is my main reason behind this decision?

Starting a family is one of the most important and biggest decisions one has to make. Ask yourself, what makes you want to start a family? Is it a genuine desire to raise a child and care for him/her or is it just societal pressure that is influencing you to make this decision? These evaluations will help you understand better whether you are ready for the big commitment of parenthood or not.

Question 3: Am I ready for the impact this change will have on my lifestyle?

Having a new addition to the family will definitely come with a lot of changes in your lifestyle. The question would be - are you ready to embrace the changes to your current lifestyle or not. Your social life, personal time, and your whole daily routine will change forever. If you think you will be accepting these changes without any challenges, then you are closer to making the right decision for yourself.

Question 4: Do I have a stable relationship with my partner?

If you are planning to step into parenthood with a partner, you need to assess whether you and your partner are both on the same page of this new chapter or not. Parenting can be very challenging at times, and having emotional support is essential during those times. You should have a stable relationship with your partner so that the children can thrive in the environment and are nurtured with good care and love.

Question 5: What is my career trajectory going to be like?

Parenting will absorb a lot of your time, energy, and patience. It is essential to ask yourself if your current and future career timetable will be able to fit in with these challenges. Your career demands should not conflict with your parenting responsibilities and vice versa. Having a balance between family and work is of utmost importance while making this decision.

Question 6: Am I in the right space to handle the pressure and stress?

The upbringing of a child is no walk on ice. It comes with a lot of unprecedented challenges that can be stressful. You need to ask yourself if you are emotionally resilient to cope with the pressure and stress before embarking on this journey.

Take ample time to understand and make a wise decision before you conclude your decision of starting a family. It is one of the biggest blessings for mankind and needs thoughtful investment of time, efforts, emotions, and a lot more. But making the decision only when you are fully ready for it is most important to ensure that your future children have a stable and positive upbringing.