by Rachelle de Bretagne

Created on: November 20, 2008   Last Updated: December 11, 2008

Seeing a child and imagining parenthood can spark all kinds of thoughts and daydreams which are a long way from the reality of what parenthood is all about. Often people yearn to have that experience for many reasons, without considering the long term responsibility of parenthood.

This article is written to help young people to decide if they are ready to become parents, and goes into the different aspects of parenthood which they may not have thought of, simply by inexperience. It's a wonderful experience to see a child born into the world, though preparations for the beginning of that child's life are essential if you wish to offer a child all the security as well as love that a child needs. Parenthood isn't just about that tiny baby. They certainly don't stay tiny for long, and the considerations needed are outlined in an attempt to help future parents to make the right choices.

*Home environment.

*Finances.

*Stability of relationship.

*Being ready to settle down.

*Recognizing the sacrifice of being a parent.

*Recognizing the needs of a child.

Home environment.

The environment into which a child is born matter. The child will grow and won't always be that cute baby who takes up very little room. It is important to know that you can provide a child with a stable home, where they have room to live. It is worthwhile looking into local amenities such as schools and to ask parents in the area of your home how the area is suited to their children.

A home should be a safe haven for a child, somewhere they know they have security, and although we can live by idealism or take the premise that love counts more than the four walls that contain a family unit, what a good base gives potential parents is a foundation upon which to build that family.

Finances.

When you become a parent for the first time, many of the things you take for granted will go by the wayside. You will no longer be able to put your own needs first. Often a new parent struggles because they believe a baby won't cost much to look after. With babies growing so quickly, there are so many items needed to be bought to cater adequately for their lifestyle. Clothing will be outgrown in a short space of time. Nappies will cost money and goodness they can go through so many that it is hard to plan ahead. A child needs toys, nursery items and perhaps health care provisions, so that the matter of cost does matter.

Poor people do have children, though by planning ahead and working out your finances, it becomes less likely

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