by Bella Blue

Created on: January 22, 2008

How parenthood changes priorities

The days of freedom are gone when you become a parent. You no longer come first. Your life now revolves around your child.
You will now have a new list of priorities to think about, starting with your child and his needs. You need the make sure your have enough formula and food for the baby, never mind if you will eat today.
You need to make sure you have all the accessories for the baby, including a crib, diapers, clothing, car seat, and the list goes on. Long gone are the days of new toys and accessories for you, its new toys for the baby.

No more sleeping in on your days off of work, you work 24-7 with a new baby.
You can't just take off at a moments notice because it will take you hours to get yourself and your child ready and packed to go with diaper bags, strollers, formula,and car seat.

Seriously, when you start to plan a pregnancy you need to set your priorities then. You want to ask yourself these questions:
Why do I want to have a child?

Am I ready financially (mentally and emotionally) to have a child?

Am I ready to make someone else number one in my life?

Am I willing to devote everything to that child?

Can I be a good parent?

When your find out you are pregnant, in reality, you have 9 months to start to think about how your life will change. Some of those thoughts will be realistic and some turn to fantasies and even nightmares. You second guess yourself.

Am I doing the right thing?

Will I be a good parent?

Will I be able to provide for a child?

Will I know how to raise my child?

Then they place the baby in your arms for the first time. All feelings of inadequacy melt away. You regain your strength and feel like you can take on the whole world now. You have dreams and set realistic goals for your child. You are prepared because you had nine months to educate yourself about caring for a baby, preparing the nursery, gathering clothes, diapers, formula, and accessories needed for the baby.

Now you can devote your time to making a relationship with the new life you just brought into this world. You want to make the best life for your child you possibly can.You want to provide everything the child needs to have a healthy life. You want to keep your child safe. These, my friend, are your new priorities.

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