Will This Be An Addition?

Costs

Care

⇒ Family

If you already have children, you should definitely consider their thoughts and feelings about adding to the size of the family before making a decision. Babies are a huge adjustment for everyone and you want to make sure that everyone is ready. You may also want to consider the size of your family, size of your home, and how much time you have to invest in the growth of your family. Here are some things to consider:

What is Your Current Family Situation?

Many individuals have strong family values and feel that it is necessary to be close as a family and to be able to spend a certain amount of quality time with one another every day. With each addition to the family, your time with each grows thinner and thinner. However, there are ways to manage your time so that your family remains close and secure. For example, throughout the week you can do things as a group, and then on specific days have some time set aside for one-on-one time with one family member. You may have to sacrifice other things once in a while to ensure that your family remains close-knit, but it is worth it.

Now this is just one thing you will have to consider. Others include managing new challenges and responsibilities within the family. The following is a list of questions you may want to ask yourself:

• Is there enough room in the house?
• Where will the baby's room be?
• Will anyone have to share a room?
• Who will be working to support the family financially?
• Will one income suffice for some time?
• Who will provide daycare should both parents have to work?
• Will we be able to continue activities already in progress (e.g., sports practice or instrumental lessons for children you already have, volunteer work, schooling, etc.)?
• How will the pet take to having a new baby in the house?
• Will we be able to minimize jealousy by keeping siblings involved?
• How can we prepare the family for these changes?

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