1. Parenting Chapter 5 Personal Readiness Objectives 1. Recognize the wrong reasons for having a child. 2. Explain the importance of parenting readiness. 3. List traits of psychological maturity and evaluate these traits in yourself. 4. Relate how physical maturity and health are part of parenting readiness. 5. Characterize a solid relationship. 6. Evaluate how lifestyles and goals affect parenting readiness. 7. Discuss how finances affect parenting readiness.

2. The Wrong Reasons To prove adulthood To please someone else For emotional benefits For respect and status To escape a situation Because society expects it To improve a floundering relationship To be like “everyone” else

3. Readiness Matters “I want to have children because I love kids.” Is that enough? Much more than love is essential. parenting readiness: personal qualities and life circumstances that enable individuals to be successful parents

4. Measuring Maturity psychological maturity: development of the mind and emotions Do you accept responsibility without being reminded or pressured? Are you even-tempered and peaceful? Are you sympathetic and responsive to what others need? Do you make and keep commitments? Do you set your own goals and are you self-motivated to reach them?

5. Measuring Maturity physical maturity: level of physical growth and development ability begins at puberty, a female’s reproductive system doesn’t reach its mature growth until several years after full growth and development increase the chances for a safe and healthy pregnancy a mature female’s skeletal structure has room for the developing child

6. Thinking About Health Are a nutritious diet, enough sleep and regular medical checkups part of your lifestyle? Do any medical conditions exist that could affect or be affected by pregnancy? Would the baby be at risk for an inherited disease? Are the mother’s immunizations and vaccinations up-to-date? Would a baby be at risk from parents or other family members who abuse alcohol or drugs, or who smoke?

7. Conditions of the Relationship Parenthood should be the outcome of a solid relationship, not the test of an unsteady one. Before having children, couples need to be sure that their commitment to each other is firm. Children benefit from the stability of a good marriage.

8. Lifestyle Considerations feeling “tied down” no time for friends no “me” time

9. Considering Goals Future goals should influence a decision about when to have children. Will plans for education have to be sacrificed? Will career goals have to be changed? Will such goals as buying a car, living independently or building a savings account have to be put off? People can make sure that life’s events occur in the best sequence for them.

10. Financial Considerations delivery costs ongoing costs a baby causes expenses to go up, but income may go down

11. Financial Considerations Asking Financial Questions Is there a steady source of income? Does it meet expenses? How much income goes into savings? What other expenses are there? What costs will result from pregnancy, birth and providing for a child? Is health insurance available? Is pregnancy covered in the policy? Will income and saving be available to pay for expenses the insurance doesn’t cover? Who will take care of the baby? If it is one of the parents, will one income be enough? If paid child care is needed, how much will it cost? Will larger living quarters be needed immediately? In six months? In a year? Will income cover a move and higher rent or mortgage payments?

12. Objective 1. Summarize and apply the steps of the decision-making process.

13. Activity As a class, complete “Ready or Not?” worksheet.

14. The Decision-Making Process No matter how much people think about their readiness for parenting, their ideas are only helpful if they lead to a sound decision. decision-making process: a step-by-step system of evaluating information in order to reach a reasonable conclusion

15. The Decision-Making Process 1.Identify the exact decision to be made. 2.List all the options. 3.Weigh the pros and cons of each option. 4.Consider values. 5.Make a decision and take action. 6.Evaluate the results and take responsibility for the consequences.

16. Activity Complete worksheet individually “Decision Making”