The questions “am I ready to have children” is one that most people ask themselves at one point or another. Even single people not in a relationship can ask this question of themselves, as they may seek a partner with the hopes of starting a family together.
While having children is a fantastic adventure, it’s not unreasonable to plan and consider whether or not you are in the right place in your life to have kids. Children are a significant investment of time and money if you are going to give them the quality of life and opportunities they deserve.
Having kids when you are not ready (if you are unemployed or dealing with addiction, etc.) can have severe consequences for you and your offspring. It is much better to hold off on having children until you are prepared to support them, rather than bring them into a lifestyle that will negatively impact them.
Children need parents who are both financially and emotionally prepared to handle them. If you have never had someone dependent on you before in your life, you need to ask yourself if you are ready for an incredibly needy child to cling to your for support for the better part of 20 or so years.
Not only do kids suffer when you have them at the wrong time, but you will also suffer too. Even if you manage to provide a good lifestyle for your kids, if you have them when you are otherwise unfulfilled as an adult, you could end up resenting them as a burden that limits your lifestyle.
While this thought sounds unbelievable, it is especially prevalent amongst couples you have children in their early 20’s when they haven’t had time to fully enjoy being an adult. Worse, if you fail to provide for your children, you will feel an extreme sense of guilt.
Children are amazing, but be sure you are 100% prepared for the work involved to ensure you do the best by them and yourself.
