AD | Collaborative post
Are you and your partner talking about having kids? This is one of the most significant decisions in your life and relationship. In addition to far more responsibility, a child is also going to change your relationship with each other.
While there is no book out there that can fully prepare you for parenthood, discussing a few things with your partner can help you lay the foundation.
In this post, we’re summarizing a few things you and your partner should talk about before having a child. Take a look.
Are you both emotionally and financially ready for parenthood?
It’s no secret that raising a little human is a significant responsibility that will likely take over your life. Moreover, raising a child is also an expensive commitment. You need to take a look at your combined income and come up with a budget. From the initial expenses to education, there are a lot of expenses associated with a child. Make sure you are emotionally and financially stable before bringing a child into the world.
How are you going to pick a name for your child?
You’d be surprised to know how many couples end up fighting about the baby name. However, don’t worry if you end up picking a name that you don’t like. The name change process is fairly simple and easy.
Which parenting style would be the best for your child?
Typically, an individual’s parenting style is influenced by their childhood. If you grew up in a conservative household, you’d likely have a strict approach to parenting. On the other hand, if your partner was raised by hippie parents, they may lead with a gentle parenting style. It’s important to share your views about your parenting styles and find common ground.
How will you share the responsibilities?
As previously mentioned, kids are going to take up most of your time. Particularly, the first few months can be brutal. You would have to wake up every other hour to feed, change and pacify your child. And that can be physically and emotionally exhausting. You and your partner need to come up with a plan to share the responsibilities.
Would you introduce your child to your faith or religion?
Whether you grew up religious or you found faith later in life, it might be something you want to share with your child. That being said, it’s necessary to ensure your partner is on board.
Do you want to seek other options if you have difficulty conceiving?
Considering that infertility affects 1 in 7 heterosexual couples in the UK, it is something that you need to think about. In case you’re unable to conceive, you and your partner should talk through other options. Whether you decide to go with IVF or surrogacy, remember that these treatments can be quite costly. You can also think about adoption.
Will you use childcare?
It really does take a village to raise a child. During the first few months, you’ll probably be on maternal and paternal leave to take care of your newborn. However, you have to think about what happens when you have to go back to work. Will one of you quit your jobs and stay at home? Are you planning to ask your mother to help you out? Do you have the finances to sign up for daycare or hire a nanny? This is another thing to include in your budget.
Final Words
Parenting is a lifelong commitment that can be equal parts challenging and rewarding. Since a child can change the dynamic between you and your partner, it’s crucial to be on the same page about the important things. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it’s a good place to start.