Parenting, an endless Project

Life with a baby is full of laughs, cuddles, kisses and hugs!!! This is just the brighter side. One who is planning to have a baby should be aware of the other side too.

While the thought of having a new addition to the family is exciting, parenting is a long and exhausting journey. I somewhere read that "Parenting is a 20 year project", but I would say it is an endless project. At any stage of life, don't we lean on our parents for advice and assistance? Once we commit ourselves to parenthood, their is no turning back.

     (Photo source: www.istockphoto.com)

Lets go through few major aspects to consider before making the life's biggest decision.

• Physical readiness: Every pregnancy is unique and so are the physical challenges. Morning sickness, carrying a child for 10 months, unlimited doctor visits and medical tests, long wait hours at the hospital, backaches, swollen legs, frequent bathroom trips, sleepless nights, pregnancy related medical issues (like gestational diabetes, placenta previa, etc.), labor pains and postpartum challenges are physically exhausting. It is advisable to discuss early on with your doctor to evaluate if you are hale and healthy to plan for a baby.

• Emotional readiness : Before having a child, it is very important to emotionally gear up for everything that comes with having a child. Right from dealing with hormonal changes during gestation and postpartum, nurturing baby, caring when it is sick, handling toddler's tantrums, managing a teen son/ daughter can be emotionally draining. Not to mention the limitless advices/ criticism we receive from people all around us about when to start a family, how to handle pregnancy, taking care of kids and their education etc. Parents should learn to imbibe the essential ones and let go of the unwanted. Staying cool and emotionally strong is a trait to be developed by parents.   

• Financial readiness: Having a baby is a costly affair, right from baby birth, buying baby essentials (it is an endless list comprising of clothes, diapers, feeding bottles, formula, crib, toys etc.), paying for play school, recreational activities, education, etc. So ensure you can manage the finances before planning a baby.

• Baby gets the priority always: Babies are very vulnerable and are completely dependent on parents. As a parent, we should be ready to sacrifice our personal time and accommodate all the needs and demands of the baby. After having a baby, you cannot have a definite schedule to cater to your personal needs. Above all, sleep will become a distant dream. You better sleep your heart's desire before the little one's arrival. At least, for the first couple of years, you may have to let go of your pastimes, interests and give undeterred attention to the child.

• Support System: A strong support system comes very handy especially in case of new parents and if both intend to work after having a baby. Support system could be grand parent(s), nanny or any other family member who can take care of the baby's needs, in your absence. Support system's contribution to the well being of a child cannot be underrate, as their experience plays a vital role in grooming the child and new parents.

• Parents readiness: Parenting is a joint responsibility of mom and dad. You shouldn't have a baby due to societal pressures or to stick on to a relationship or just to tick a check box in your life goals. Understand that you are accountable for the physical, mental and emotional well being of the child and shoulder a bigger responsibility in shaping up the future generation.

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