How to Know You're Ready for Parenthood

Maybe your best friend just had a baby, or perhaps your sister had her first child. If you feel your biological clock ticking and think you want a baby of your own, take some time to determine if you and your partner are truly ready to become parents. Here are some issues to consider to know if you're ready for parenthood.

Instructions

1. Think about how you and your partner would feel if you just tested positive on a pregnancy test. If your first feeling is one of dread, then you might not be ready for parenthood. However, if you feel excited, happy and ready for the challenge ahead, then you might be ready for parenthood. Make sure that both you and your partner discuss your feelings regarding this exercise. If both partners are not ready for parenthood, then the couple as a whole is not ready.

2. Babysit a friend's or a family member's baby or toddler. Doing this will help you see if you even like being around babies or young children. If you had fun babysitting and enjoyed your time, you might be ready for parenthood. However, if you felt trapped or weighed down by the baby, then you're probably not be ready for parenthood yet.

3. Realize that your life will change and that you are okay with that. Having a baby means putting someone else's needs before your own. You may not be able to go out to dinner when you want, take a vacation when you want or spend your money on a new pair of shoes if you have to buy diapers instead. If you are okay with these changes and others like them, you may be ready for parenthood.

4. Understand the financial ramifications of parenthood. Babies cost a lot of money. If you don't have a stable job or an income that can support a baby, it might be best to wait to embark on parenthood. The use of a financial planner can help you determine if your finances can support a new family member. Go over your financial situation and how a baby will affect your finances with your partner.

5. Be on the same page as your partner. Above all else, it is important for both of the partners in a relationship to want to become parents. If one partner has hesitations or doesn't see herself as a parent, then the couple should hold off on parenthood for the time being.

Tips & Warnings

• No one can ever know if they are 100 percent ready for parenthood. Sometimes, you have to be as ready as you can and just take a leap of faith.