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Pregnancy Resources |
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Single Parenting
Parenting a child can be one of life's most joyous experiences. However, it can also be the hardest and most demanding job you will ever undertake. It is a job that requires patience, sacrifice, nurture and commitment. As you look at your options with your unplanned pregnancy, it is important to consider the benefits as well as the challenges of single parenting.
Single parenting appears to be on the rise in the United States and is much more culturally acceptable than it has been the in the past. In fact, the majority of women who have babies without planning to do so, decided to become single parents. What does this mean to these women and what does this mean to their children? It is important to think about these questions and to ask what it would mean for you and your child should you decide to become a single parent. Some additional questions to ask yourself are:
- Will my child have a father figure who will remain involved?
- How will parenting affect my life goals?
- How will my decision to parent affect my child's life?
- How much support will I receive from family and friends?
- Who will be responsible for my living expenses after I have my baby?
- How will I provide necessities such as diapers, formula and clothes for my baby?
- Will I work to support myself and my child?
- Can I afford medical care for my child?
- Do I have a safe and comfortable place to live with my child?
- Will I be able to give my child everything he/she deserves?
- How will my baby change my everyday lifestyle?
Only you know whether or not you have the time, money, education, job, home, responsibility and maturity to handle being both a mom and dad to a child. Only you know whether or not you will be able to give your child the kind of life you want him/her to have.
If you would like additional tools designed to assist you in looking at your own preparedness to be a parent, work through these worksheets:
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