Planning a family is a very personal thing. Whether you are planning to become parents for the first or second time, it is never an easy decision. A lot of things have to be evaluated like your age, the age of your firstborn (in case you are planning for a second one), and your financial situation, before coming to any decision. While there is no right or wrong time to grow your family, deciding if you want another baby can lead to an internal tug of war. To help you out, here are 5 questions that you need to ask yourself to know if you are ready to bring a new life into the world.
What does your partner think about another baby?
You and your partner don’t need to hold the same views about having a second child. Maybe you want two children, but your partner doesn’t feel the same. You and your partner need to be on the same page as far as family planning is concerned. If the other one is not ready, step back and give some time.
Is your child big enough to handle a sibling?
If your baby is too small and needs you all the time, it can be difficult for you to handle another child. An ideal gap between two children should be three years but in some cases, even 7 years is not enough. Your child may be thrilled with the news of having a sibling or may feel betrayed. Things can go either way. So, make sure your elder one is prepared to welcome his or her sibling.
Are you financially stable?
It is the duty of every parent to give a stable and secure life to their kids. If your current financial condition does not allow you to extend your family, you should hold your thoughts for a while. The cost of raising a child is rising every year. You need to evaluate the cost and only if you can afford a comfortable life for another child, you should go ahead with your planning.
Is your house big enough to accommodate another child?
Bringing another member into the family means you have to make space for them as well. See if your house requires any changes or you need to shift to a new one. Only if you can make space and it fits your budget, plan your second child.
Are you ready to make changes in your lifestyle?
If you and your partner both are working, it could be difficult to take care of a newborn. Newborns require a lot of care and caution. See if both of you are ready to share the responsibility and make changes in your lifestyle to take out more time for the newborn.
These are a few basic questions that every couple must ask themselves before planning to extend their family. Planning these small things well in advance is better.