Parenting

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Deciding whether to parent is a deeply personal and complex choice. When thinking about whether to choose parenting, the number one question to ask yourself is this: Do I have a heart and desire to parent? If the answer is yes, then you owe it to yourself to fully explore this option.

It’s also important to keep in mind that circumstances change. What feels impossible today can become possible tomorrow by taking small steps in the right direction. For example, if you’re worried about finances, you can finish school or try to get a better-paying job.

Here are some other factors to consider to help you make the best decision for you.

Assess Your Emotional Readiness

Parenting requires emotional resilience and stability. Reflect on your emotional health and readiness to take on the significant responsibilities of raising a child. Consider how you handle stress, your patience level, and your support system.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Am I emotionally prepared to care for a child?
• How do I typically cope with stress and unexpected situations?
• Do I have a support system to lean on?

It’s essential to keep in mind that no one feels prepared to parent, and even the most emotionally resilient parents can feel overwhelmed and stressed. The most important thing is to think through how you might handle parenting and what support networks you have in place to help.

Evaluate Your Financial Situation

Raising a child involves significant financial commitments, including healthcare, childcare, education, and daily living expenses. However, even if you’re not where you want to be financially, this doesn’t mean you have to rule out parenting. Resources and financial support are available to help.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Do I have a stable income and employment? If not, how can I take steps to secure what I need?
• Can I afford the additional costs associated with raising a child? If not, what resources are available to help?
• Are there financial support systems or assistance programs I can rely on?

Consider Your Life Goals and Plans

Think about how parenting fits into your current life plans and long-term goals. Consider your career, education, personal aspirations, and how a child might impact these aspects of your life.

While working toward your long-term goals might feel impossible while parenting, many women have found assistance to enable them to do both.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• How will becoming a parent affect my current life plans and future goals?
• Am I willing to adjust my plans to accommodate parenting?
• Do I have a strong support network to help me balance parenting and my goals?

Reflect on Your Values and Beliefs

Your personal values, beliefs, and feelings about parenting play a significant role in this decision. Consider your cultural, religious, and moral views on parenting and family.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• How do my values and beliefs align with becoming a parent?
• What are my thoughts on parenting and family structure?
• How important is it to me to raise a child according to my values?

We’re Here to Help

Parenting is a big decision, but you don’t have to do this alone. At Baywater Women’s Clinic, we can provide you with community referrals that can help with things like housing, groceries, bills, etc., in addition to classes that help you earn items for your baby.

Along with community referrals that can help with things like housing, groceries, bills, etc., we also offer no-cost educational opportunities; plus, when you complete a class, you’ll earn baby bucks that can be used to purchase essential baby items from our store.

No matter what you’re considering, we’re here for you. Contact us today to schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment.