Chapter 3 The Decision to Parent Parenting Mrs. Swope Columbian High School

What are some reasons for becoming parents? An expression of love To establish a family life-style, like children, enjoy being around children To have the experience of raising a child To satisfy their curiosity of what it would be like to have, and raise a child To fulfill role expectations

What are some poor reasons for having children? Giving in to family and peer pressure Trapping a partner Wanting children for friends or to have someone to love Wanting children for companionship during old age

What are factors to consider when deciding? Each partner’s future goals consider short-term goals consider long-term goals Make goals visible, write them down on paper

Factors to consider cont. Your marital relationship: how well do you communicate? A weak pattern of communication will become weaker with the stresses of parenting. Partners need to respect each others opinions Are both spouses dedicated to the marriage? Are both partners willing to work to make sure their relationship is the primary relationship?

Factors to consider: Readiness for Parenthood Ready to accept the roles of mother and father? Emotional factors: both partners look at parenting as a positive expansion of their relationship Both are emotionally mature and responsible

Factors to Consider: Readiness for Parenthood Social factors: if you say “yes” to parenting you may say “no” to some aspects of your social life. Life-style changes are part of the package of parenting Own demands become second to those of the new baby May make friends with other new parents

Factors to Consider: Readiness for Parenthood Intellectual factors: both partners should have basic knowledge of child development Should have knowledge of child care, guidance, and discipline Should have realistic expectations for roles of mother and father

Factors to consider: Readiness for Parenthood Physical factors: needs to consider health problems that could be hereditary or genetically passed on Both prospective parents should be in excellent health, capable of handing the physical and emotional stress of parenting Mother’s physical health during teen years may affect health of her unborn baby Age 20-32 are considered the best for child- bearing

Factors to consider: Readiness for Parenthood Physical factors cont.: if the mother is over 35, greater health risks may occur. Down’s syndrome: more common in older mothers, the baby is born with 47 chromosomes in cells instead of the normal 46. This affects both physical and intellectual development of the child.

Factors to consider: Finances Children are expensive. What do child care costs include? As children increase in age they increase in cost Ways to help manage these costs?

Factors to consider: Affects on Career Dual-career families: both parents work outside the home, very common today. Views on working parents and child care responsibilities should be discussed before marriage Managing family and career obligations takes organization, communication, compromise, and commitment by both.

Reasons for Not Having Children Choose not to have children so they have more time for themselves . They have more time for career, hobbies, travel, friends, relatives. Prefer to have more money for their own needs and wants. Some may be afraid to become parents

Challenges and Risks Faced by Teen Parents Health risks: body of teen mother is still growing Teen mother may not be informed of important health practices, prenatal care Infant mortality rate is higher for teen mothers Often born premature and at a low birth weight

Challenges Faced by Teen Parents Social and Emotional: loss of freedoms of a typical teen Hard to cope with the demands of the baby Less time to go out with friends The teen parent doesn’t have as much in common with their old friends

Challenges Faced by Teen Parents Education and Career: some pregnant teens may choose to drop out of school Some teen mothers lack the support of their families, child care becomes an issue for completing their education Teen parents may have to settle for low paying jobs This may affect their lifetime earning potential

Challenges Faced by Teen Parents Financial Risks: single teen mothers may have to go on welfare (AFDC and WIC) Food stamps and Medicaid are other forms of public aid Some teen fathers are able to provide financial support but many do not.

Decision Making Parenting is an option in life you may or may not decide to choose. The decision making process can help you make responsible decisions. Step 1: Identify Step 2: Possible Alternatives Step 3: Pros and Cons of each alternative

Decision Making cont. Step 4: Based on the pros and cons, Make the Decision Step 5: Carry out the decision Step 6: Evaluate the outcome The decisions made prior to conception can be reversed