If you are pregnant and considering single parenting, there are a number of things for you to think about. First and foremost in your thoughts should always be the well-being of the baby you will have.
There’s absolutely nothing that can equal the awesome miracle of a newborn baby — its tiny, delicate features, its softness, its dependence on others to meet its needs. Without a doubt, parenting can be one of life’s most joyous experiences. Parenting can also be one of life’s toughest jobs. After your baby is born, it’s a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week responsibility for at least the next 18 years of your life. It is a major life commitment, demanding no small amount of sacrifice and dedication on your part, especially if you are choosing to assume this responsibility as a single parent. But it’s not impossible. With thoughtful preparation and planning, it can be done.
Sometimes it helps to write out a plan of how single parenting will affect your life as you live it right now. Are you in school? Are you working? Try to make a plan that will fit in with your schedule as it is. As you explore this option, be sure to consider the following:
- living arrangements (where will we live?)
- financial support (how will I get the money?)
- caring for your baby (who will babysit while I’m at work or school?)
- meeting your goals (a college degree, a job, a family?)
You’ll also want to think about your baby’s father and his involvement in your plans. Does he support you in your pregnancy, and will he be willing and able to give support to you and your baby once the baby is born? Each state has different laws about the support a baby’s father should give you if you choose to parent your baby — check with a local pregnancy counseling center for advice on how to handle your individual situation. Remember, your relationship with your baby’s father should stand apart from the fact that you are pregnant with his child. A decision to marry is a lifetime commitment and should not be taken lightly, nor should it be made based on anything other than your love for and commitment to each other.
Remember, the most important thing to think about is the well-being of your baby. Next, think about yourself. What is your situation? How will parenting fit in with your lifestyle?
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