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Questions to ask yourself to see if you're ready to be a parent
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Have you started fantasizing about what life with your partner would be like if you had a little one running around at home? Planning and starting a family is a huge next step, and in truth, you’ll never be totally prepared, but there are signs that might tell you that it's your time. We spoke with clinical psychologist Steven Hensky to compile a list of signs and questions to ask yourself to see if you’re ready.
Common Signs You’re Ready for Kids
- You’re financially secure, with a steady income.
- You and your partner agree that you want kids.
- You agree with your partner on how to raise kids.
- You have a support system ready to help you raise children.
- You’re prepared for change, and can handle the unexpected.
Steps
How Does Having Children Change Your Relationship?
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat is the ideal age to start a family?Dr. Steven Hesky is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 37 years of experience. He specializes in long-term psychotherapy with adults and adolescents. His training includes Freudian, Jungian, and Existential approaches to psychotherapy, hypnosis, family therapy, marriage counseling, and biofeedback. Dr. Hesky holds a BA in Philosophy from Lake Forest College and an MA and PhD in Existential Clinical Psychology from Duquesne University.Being on the same page with your partner is more important than being the right age. A lot of times, people tend to think that they're never ready for kids until they actually have them.
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Tips
- Remember that the questions in this article, and your answers to them, aren’t make or break. People in all circumstances have kids every day! But asking these questions may help you prepare.Thanks
- Talk to friends and family members who raised kids to get advice about their experiences so you can prepare even better.Thanks
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References
- ↑ Steven Hesky, PhD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 2 September 2021.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/meet-catch-and-keep/201605/the-baby-effect-are-you-ready
- ↑ Steven Hesky, PhD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 2 September 2021.
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK402020/
- ↑ https://raisingchildren.net.au/grown-ups/family-life/routines-rituals-relationships/strong-families
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2014/01/family
- ↑ https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/01/13/cost-raising-child
- ↑ Steven Hesky, PhD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 2 September 2021.
- ↑ https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/considering-baby/is-it-time/are-you-ready-for-a-baby/
- ↑ Steven Hesky, PhD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 2 September 2021.
- ↑ https://www.first5california.com/en-us/articles/the-most-surprising-and-unexpected-aspects-of-becoming-a-parent/
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2014/01/family
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