1. Factors to Consider Before Having Children Child Development Mrs. Tucker

2. Are you ready for parenthood?  Before deciding whether to have a child, prospective parents should ask themselves these questions:

3. 1. Emotional Maturity  Are you willing to take responsibility for a child?  How realistic are your expectations of parenthood?  THIS IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR!

4. 2. Desire for Children  Do you understand the needs of children and can devote your life to meeting those needs?

5. 3. Health  Are you healthy enough to meet the demands of caring for a child?  Is the prospective mother older than seventeen? If not, are you prepared for the possible risks?  Is there a possibility of an inherited disorder?

6. 4. Finances  How much will prenatal care and birth cost?  What other expenses can be expected over the next 18-21 years?  Are you willing to do without something in order to provide for your child’s needs?

7. 5. Housing  Where will you live?  Is additional space needed?  How will you pay for a move, if needed?

8. 6. Career Changes 6. Career Changes  What plans do you have for your job or career?  Will you need to increase your work load to accommodate increasing financial responsibilities?  Will you need to consider a career cut-back in order to remain home to care for your child? How do you accommodate the loss of income?

9. 7. Child Care  Who will take care of the child?  What cost is involve?  Do you have a back-up plan if first child care choice is unavailable?