The decision to have kids is a big milestone for any couple. It’s a serious discussion, which can alter the course of a relationship.
Nowadays, many people choose to wait until later in life or not have children at all. When you look at recent birth rate data, the number of birth certificates generated declined from 2019 into 2020. Additionally, the birth rate for women under 25 decreased, while the rate increased for women aged 30-35.
There are several possible reasons behind the birth rate data, and a big one would have to be feelings of intimidation. Becoming a parent is tough, and there are tons of unknowns.
In this post, we’ll go over how you can approach the decision on whether or not to have children. We’ll dive into some of the reasons why would-be parents find parenting intimidating and some of the benefits becoming a parent has to offer.
Why becoming a parent can be intimidating
Parenting can be scary. There are tons of unknowns, concerns, and plenty of risks.
A big primary concern of those who feel intimidated by becoming a parent is they feel they are not ready to raise a child. They feel overwhelmed by the responsibility and fear having a child will turn their lives upside down.
The financial factor of raising a child is another legitimate concern. In the U.S., it’s estimated raising a child until the age of 18 was around $270,000. That’s not including college tuition or any other expenses. This estimate can dramatically increase if you have more than one child.
Another concern is whether someone will have enough time in their schedule for a child. Raising a child is much different compared to something like raising a pet. Children require your full attention, and you are responsible for your child at all times. Your child will take up most of your time, and you probably won’t have much downtime.
Finally, those who feel intimidated by the decision to have children often fear they will not be good parents. It’s a huge responsibility to oversee raising another human life, and many feel they won’t be able to do the job well.
Benefits of having children
It’s easy for people to be overwhelmed by the idea of becoming a parent, but it’s important not to let fear lead you. You need to take the time to focus on the positives.
There are many benefits of parenthood. For example, the idea that you created another human being is pretty powerful. You will be giving a child the gift of life and leading them through their life.
Another benefit is many people find parenthood to be an incredibly rewarding experience. It can change your entire perspective on the world, and you will go through various experiences that bring you closer together with your child. You’ll feel a sense of satisfaction when your child succeeds in life, such as when they take their first steps, learn how to ride a bike, or go to their first day of school.
Additionally, having children is an opportunity to pass on your knowledge as well as learn a new thing or two. You will probably learn as many new things from your child as they will from you.
Finally, you will get to experience a new stage of life. You get to enjoy watching something you created grow into its own human being. You’ll be able to see your child experience situations you may have encountered when you were younger and be able to help them out from your past experiences.
Final thoughts
When it comes to making the decision on whether or not to have kids, you should strongly consider some of the risks and positives mentioned in this article. They can help you make the final decision.
It’s important to note the decision on whether or not to have children shouldn’t be driven by fear. You also shouldn’t feel inclined to become a parent because society makes it seem like you need to do so.
Becoming a parent is something that needs to come from your heart. If you genuinely don’t feel you want kids from the bottom of your heart, you probably shouldn’t have them. However, if the thought of having a child sounds exciting, you should pursue it.
Leave a Reply