t - New York Civil Liberties Union

052
Union-Endicott
Major
aspects of parenting:
Emotional/Maturity
- You are going to be a mom or a dad. Think about the moms and dads that you know.
Which ones are doing or have done a good job in raising their children? Probably
those that achieved a level of emotional maturity to handle the ups and downs of
parenting. Are you emotionally ready to be a parent?
Prenatal
-------6oing-for-prenatal- visits;.;-(health-ufmotherandchild,childbirth classes) This is
mainly for the pregnant mom, but dad can come along, especially if he will be helping
coach in the delivery room.
- Getting a room ready for the baby. Do you need a new place?
- All the stuff you buy/get in baby showers (never enough)
- Family excitement and anticipation (:
Birth
- Joy and wonder of a new life being born. Are you ready?
- Choices (hospital, midwife, at home, water birth ... )
- Can be expensive if you don't have health insurance $$$$$$$$$$
Responsibility:
- Time (as a parent, your whole schedule will revolve around the needs of your child.
You will have many sleepless nights!!!)
- Finances (diapers, food, clothes, toys, the list goes on and on ... )
You will find that you have little or no money for' extras' .
- Change in lifestyle (Dancing?, weekend canoeing/kayaking/hiking?, movies?,
NOT!!!)
- Child is totally dependent on you. That is a GOOD thing.
Marriage:
- Stable home with a two parent family is best environment to raise a child. You can
help each other and support each other through all the stresses. A single parent needs
help, preferably from a family member.
- Mom and Dad need to make sure they are meeting their own and each other's needs
as well as the child's. Don't get burned out. Get a babysitter and have a date night
once in a while.
- BEWARE the well-meaning family members who want to 'help' you raise your child.
Discuss your values together and plan on ways to teach your child your values.