Many couples wonder, ‘Are we ready for parenthood?’ The answer lies in honest self-reflection and open communication about your goals, lifestyle, and expectations.
Hello, dear parents to be; I am a mother of 1.5 year old and often thought of sharing my experience on parenthood with couples who are planning or willing to become parents.
So here it goes,
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I was, and I am, Affectionate towards Kids, babies, toddlers, and they are/were always my weak point. Whenever I would see a child, I would quickly go cuddle or atleast give a wide smile.
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It was almost like a mother and daughter relationship with my niece, so much so that everyone who saw us together would think that she was my daughter. Maybe I had that Motherly feeling in me; that’s what I thought, and I was confident enough that motherhood and having a kid would be a smooth sailing journey for me.
Soon when I got the news that the Little one was about to come, we were on Cloud 9! Almost flying in the sky like a balloon !! But soon, that balloon busted and gave goosebumps of reality.
I was almost in shock that why I was not so happy and always in panic mode when it came to my baby? Why all that cuddly feeling is gone more into “oh, my baby should not get hurt”. Why do I have these sudden anger attacks? And the list continues…
Contents
Thinking About Parenthood Made Me Realise;
– I was Overconfident about Motherhood
– I was not ready for the responsibility,
– I was Not ready for selfless love
– Most importantly, I was not ready to Accept the Change
Once you realise what is lacking and limiting, it’s getting easier to work on it. I will definitely suggest mommies be as well as daddies; before going ahead with your decision of having a baby, sit together and ask each other and yourself, are we really ready for this? At times we tend to make ourselves financially stable and also, most of the time, ready with all the materialistic stuff of being a parent (e.g., preparing a nursery for a baby, a hospital bag etc.)
But What About Mental Preparation?
I think that’s the most important thing to do. So what can you do about mental preparation for Parenthood?
Listen to your inner voice
Understand that it’s not going to be super easy but be ready for the fun-filled roller-coaster ride.
Research
Read books, go through authentic social media sites. Also read: I Know I’m Not A Perfect Mom But I Will Never Give Up
Communicate
- Talk to your gynaecologist; whatever your problems or questions will be, talk it out,
- Talk to your parents, inlaws, and friends but make sure you are not comparing or panicking listening to their stories; everyone’s journey is different and special.
Counseling
In my opinion, this is most important. Taking a counselling session with a psychologist will make you mentally prepared.
Keep your mind calm
Mental readiness for parenthood is as important as physical health; it helps you manage stress and stay calm through the ups and downs of parenting. Practice breathing, do whatever you love doing, and be happy from within.
Emotional preparation is often overlooked, but it plays a key role in determining whether you’re truly ready for parenthood. In my opinion, below are a few points on which you can think over;
Ask yourself
Many people believe they are ready for parenthood because they adore kids, but it’s essential to also prepare for the sacrifices and responsibilities it entails.
Career
- Are you settled in your career?
- Are you ready to work when you conceive and throughout your pregnancy?
- Are you ready for the career gap (if required)?
- Are you financially stable/Independent?
Health
- Are you physically fit?
- Are you mentally strong and ready?
- Are you ready to take necessary actions about your health? (Excercise, yoga, change of lifestyle etc.)
- Are you ready for the postpartum changes in your body?
Relationship
Are you ready to build a relationship? (With your baby, trust me, it does take time.)
Apart from above mentioned “Gyan”, make sure you and your partner are spending enough time with each other before being ready for parenthood. Now, this thought will definitely have too many questions as everyone’s thinking process is different.
Some may say the earlier you take the chance, the better; some say to let it happen when the time is written. Also check this article to know the 15 signs that you are ready for parenthood.
If you ask me, I would definitely say, take your time; your life will surely going to change once the Little one arrives, so make sure you are doing all the things as much as possible before you take the big step of being a parent.
FAQs About Preparing for Parenthood
1. How do I know if I’m ready for parenthood?
Recognizing if you’re ready for parenthood involves a combination of emotional, mental, and practical readiness. Ask yourself if you’re prepared for the lifelong responsibility, have a stable relationship with your partner, and are ready for the changes a baby will bring to your daily routine.
2. What steps should I take to prepare for parenthood emotionally?
Preparing for parenthood emotionally includes having open conversations with your partner, practicing self-care, and seeking counseling if needed. Remember, understanding that parenthood is a rollercoaster of emotions can help you embrace the journey positively.
3. What are the signs you’re ready to have a baby?
Some signs that you’re ready to have a baby include feeling financially stable, being physically and mentally healthy, and having a mutual agreement with your partner about the timing and responsibility of parenthood.
4. Why is mental preparation for parenthood important?
Mental preparation is crucial because it helps you navigate the emotional challenges of parenting. It equips you to handle stress, make thoughtful decisions, and build a strong bond with your baby.
5. What should I consider before becoming a parent?
Consider factors like your career stability, financial readiness, health, and relationship strength. It’s also important to prepare for the lifestyle changes and sacrifices that come with having a child.
6. How can I prepare for a baby emotionally and practically?
You can prepare for a baby by reading parenting books, attending counseling, and practicing mindfulness techniques like yoga or meditation. Practical steps include setting up a nursery, managing finances, and aligning schedules with your partner.
Do give it a thought!
There will be many more branches of this tree called parenthood; make sure you grow and nurture the seed you have planted with love and affection so that it will flourish and the root will be strong.
Parenting is a journey with its ups and downs, but as I said earlier, before taking a big step, always ask yourself, are you Really Ready for Parenthood?
Ask yourself, ‘What does being ready for parenthood mean to me?’ This reflection can guide you in making informed and thoughtful decisions.
As Elizabeth stone rightly said,” Making a decision to have a child is momentous; it is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body”.
All the best, Parents to be.
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