by Marshia Whitman

Created on: December 01, 2008

When ever I get involved in a conversation with a young person considering bearing children, it inevitably ends with me saying "Are you sure you're ready for that?"

Usually a puzzled look is handed back to me. Well, actually, it's more a look that exclaims "Geez, you idiot, of course I'm ready. It's just a baby!"

"Just" a baby...hmmm....

I have come across quite a few couples, including ones at my ripe age of 37 and older, who neglect to think about everything that adorable cherub would bring with him/her. They do not think about the joys' of projectile vomiting, or whether or not to charge interest on that dime the little cutie will swallow as an afternoon snack. They do not stop to think that a child requires sacrifice, selflessness, patience, and until the bed sheets and carpet are cleaned yet again when while a four year old has the flu, a strong stomach. Babies are adorable but raising them is not only about how cute and cuddly they are. This is truly a serious, life-long commitment.

Take for instance, the short story of a young couple I knew some years ago. Our first born children were only a month apart. What fun those two little cruisers had together. Our dog just adored them. Within 6 months said woman was asking for another child. So, being a lover of children, the father naturally complied. A year later he did so again. By that time, dad thought it best to stop and enjoy the fruits of theirummmlabour. Mom would have none of that, though. "What if I'm not done with the baby stage? Babies are so cute! You have a good job and I can quit my job to look after them!" So naturally, dear dad complied. Where are they now, you might ask? Are they happy with four children, living a joyous life? That depends on your point of view. Now, with six children in tow, they enjoy a life living with her mother because they don't have the money to live on their on. What does it matter if they can not afford to feed their own children? When asked how they will provide for an education for them, the reply was "Well, that doesn't matter. College wasn't for me so it doesn't matter if they go. Besides, they can get student loans." All I could do was shake my head. There was no thought about what jobs of the future will require or that government money will may not be so easily handed out when our children are college bound.

Prospective parents take heed: do not be this couple.

When you begin considering having a child there are some things that must be thought of and deeply discussed

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