Few people know for sure the number of children that they want to have. They might have an idea, but not many of us are absolutely settled on the exact number.
When you get through the trials and tribulations of being a first time parent, you will have learned a few essential lessons. It might have been tough, but it will have been absolutely worth it. The lesson you might find yourself learning most of all is that… you want to have more children.
Whether you just have one or are already on your fourth, that nagging sense that you’d like to have another child is rarely easily quietened. While the impulse to add to your brood can be overwhelming, there has to be a moment where you allow a little investment in contemplation of what you might be undertaking.
Of course, that’s not to say it is an inherently a bad thing to consider having more children. However, it might be wise to ensure you’ve got all the right answers, to the following questions, prior to going ahead…
Question One: Do You Have Room?
While young children can usually share a bedroom quite effectively, the same is not true when they reach a certain age. Eventually, your kids are going to want privacy, especially those that are different genders. That might mean you need to think about choosing a home loan and moving somewhere larger, so that everyone can have the space that they need.
Bear in mind that you might need to do this sooner rather than later; it might not just be a thought for the teenage future. If you have young children and they would have to share their room with a baby at your present address, then you have to consider the ramifications of nighttime disturbances of a newborn. Realistically, a new baby is going to need their own space, or risk damaging their siblings’ quality of sleep.
Question Two: Are You (And Your Partner) The Only Ones Making The Decision?
Society has a way of pushing certain ideas onto us. When a couple gets married, the first question they will be inundated with is when they plan to have children. You might think that having children would actually get you a break from this invasive line of questioning… but it will still happen! Now the question is, “when are you planning on having a little brother/sister for [your child]?”.
Don’t be pressured into having more children by other people. You might hear a lot of people enthusing about the prospect of siblings for your existing child/ren, but this is one decision that only you and your partner need to be involved in.
Question Three: Are You Ready For The Expense?
It can feel incredibly unpleasant to talk about babies and expanding your family in such coarse terms, but nevertheless, it’s a conversation you need to have. Babies are expensive; children more so; teenagers still more again – and then you might have to think of the cost of an additional college education.
Do you have a financial plan for the future that’s going to allow you to afford all of that for an additional child?
In Conclusion…
If you can confidently answer all of the above questions, then you are well prepared to consider having another child. If you don’t have your answers figured out yet, that’s okay. Give it a little time and figure out solutions where needed; you’ll get there in the end. What’s more, you’ll be all the more prepared to welcome the joy of a new life when you can answer these questions – so you and your children can enjoy the benefits of your careful contemplation. Good luck!
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