The Pros and Cons of Having Kids
Before having children, prospective parents should consider how this decision will change their lives. Parenting is never easy and does lead to significant lifestyle changes, which some new parents find difficult to adjust to.
Before having children, prospective parents should consider how this decision will change their lives. Parenting is never easy and does lead to significant lifestyle changes, which some new parents find difficult to adjust to. However, parenting also provides incomparable rewards, as you have a direct hand in shaping the life of a child. Ensure that you are ready to handle the difficulties of raising children before beginning this stage of your life by finding out what you can expect from parenthood.
Forming a Bond
Bonding is very important to a baby's development, as it provides the child with his first intimate relationship and can raise his self-esteem. This aids the baby's social and cognitive development, notes KidsHealth.org. The bond that you form with your baby is an enjoyable part of parenting, and seeing the baby smile brings parents a genuine happiness. Some parents are able to bond with their children immediately, while it takes others some additional time. The bond is formed through caregiving, since the baby is reliant on you for everything. The attachment that you form with your child is something that lasts a lifetime.
Influencing a Life
An important part of parenting is raising a child who chooses to live morally, according to AskDrSears.com. The goal is to teach your child how to treat others respectfully and to think about the consequences of an action before committing it. Seeing your child become a contributing member of society because of the morals and values that you've taught is very rewarding for parents. Knowing that you had an influence on the next generation in your community through raising your child is reason enough for many people to decide to have children.
Always Tired
If you hear parents complain about their children, it often has to do with fatigue. Starting almost immediately after they are born, babies tire their parents out to the point that they often don't have energy for anything other than caring for the child. It makes matters worse if the baby doesn't sleep well at night, as parents are not only responsible for meeting the child's needs during the day but also attending to him if he cannot sleep. For some prospective parents, seeing an exhausted mother in the morning is reason enough to avoid having children.
Effect on Relationships
Having a child undoubtedly affects relationships, and this is not always a positive thing. Some couples believe that having a child may somehow solve any problems that they are having, but this is not normally the case. Once you have a child, your relationship with your partner often becomes secondary, and caring for the baby is the priority. Your relationship takes on a completely different dynamic and you may find you have very little free time, so make sure that you are ready for this major life change before making your decision.