The Decision in Becoming a Parent
Throughout a lifetime, humans experience many different stages; one of which may be parenthood. However, it’s essential that the individual enters this domain carefully as children are a lifelong commitment. So how do you know when you are ready to embark on this long journey? Well, parents must have certain characteristics in order to benefit both the individual and the child. First of all, both physical and mental maturity should be had by parents, as deciding to care 24/7 for another person is a task that includes a lot of stress and responsibility. Therefore, high maturity assists in preparing parents to perform at the best possible level. Also, in order to raise a child, the parent must be financially stable as on average, raising a child from birth to 18 years of age, costs $245,340 on average. Next, the child must be provided with the ability to feel trust in relationships. Creating a strong bond between the child and parent will assist in growing the child’s social skills and ability to trust others. Finally, dealing with stress is VERY important in parenting. However frustrating, in the long run parenting is said to be the best gift possible in life, so being able to get through it is obviously essential. For instance, being able to manage time between work, social time, sleep and children is important for not only the parent’s mental health, but also the child’s.
to be the best gift possible in life, so being able to get through it is obviously essential. For instance, being able to manage time between work, social time, sleep and children is important for not only the parent’s mental health, but also the child’s.
In all, when an individual becomes a parent, one of their main life goals is to provide the best possible life for their children. Therefore, certain aspects must be met. Immense love must be provided to assist the child in feeling emotionally stable. Also, the obvious factor, physical needs must be met by parents (which relies upon financial stability). Finally, children learn by watching and observing. Therefore, providing a good example socially and introducing the children to new people, will assist in the child learning important life skills such as socialization.
Terry Clarke, Editor