Preparing for Parenting

Becoming a parent is a HUGE step. Everyone talks about how hard it can be to care for a little one and how expensive it can be, but there’s so much to know within that. Take it from me, I got pregnant unexpectedly at the age 15, and had my son at the age of 16. I wish I knew then what I know now. And no one is ever READY READY to become a parent, but there are things to think about to give you an idea on how it is like.

You will lose your precious sleep.

Have you heard that parents never get enough sleep? Probably. And it’s no joke. Babies like to wake all hours of the night. If you think picking them up out of their crib and rocking them for a few minutes will put them back to sleep, I GOT NEWS FOR YOU PAL. Maybe you’ll get lucky and that’ll be the case, but there will be times when you’ll have to make them a bottle (if you’re formula feeding), change a diaper, or even rock them for hours. Yes, I said hours, it happens. Indeed babies nap a lot and you will hear a lot of people say, “sleep when the baby sleeps.” Sounds simple right? But what about that huge laundry pile that still needs to be washed, the dishes, supper, your own personal time? Just go ahead and say goodbye to good sleep.

Personal time is nonexistent.

Enjoy going to the gym or going out with your friends on your days off? You never have days off being a parent. When you’re not working or going to school, you’re still working. Parenting is a full time job, we don’t think of it as jobs because we love our little angels, but honestly it is! You’ll have very little, to NO time to yourself. You won’t be able to read that book you’ve been wanting to read without your child’s bum being right in your face. Don’t even get me started on showers, or using the bathroom.

Your child could be born “different.”

If you think you’re ready to be a parent, you need to be sure you’re ready to be a parent no matter how your child turns out. Sometimes children are born with developmental issues. Sometimes children can’t speak at all. There are children with Downs syndrome, ASD, ADHD, etc. There are many types of special needs, and there’s a possibility that your child could sustain one of those types.

Less for You, More for Child

Like to buy items for yourself? Well unless you’re rich, there won’t be much money left after you’re done shopping for your child. Children are expensive and that expense doesn’t stop! All of your non-parent friends will be wearing the latest trends, or getting to go to that concert while you wash all of your baby’s clothes. It’s the same with food as well, that last chicken nugget? Goes straight to your baby. How can you say no? It’s no longer all about yourself after you have a baby. They’re number one.

There are many things to think about before having a baby. It’s a huge step that requires a lot of time and responsibility. Are you ready to lose sleep, personal time, and money? Don’t let this scare you too much though! If you’re really wanting to have a baby, you will do a great job. Being a parent comes naturally. It may be a lot of work, but I promise you it’s worth it. Your children will be the biggest blessings in your life.