It seems as though baby fever is taking over blogs (maybe because of Madonna possibly adopting a new baby, and Brangelina (hehe) admitting that they’re ready for another kid?)
Well, before you jump on the bandwagon, here are a couple of things to think about.
Via MSN.ca
Wrong Reason 1: You Need Something New to Obsess Over
Now that the wedding planning is over, what will you do with all your free time? Suddenly there’s a strong urge to fill it with another big project. Don’t mistake boredom with baby cravings. Take up a hobby — whether it’s searching for houses on the Web or learning how to wallpaper your bathroom. Sure, you’ve proven that you can stick with something and follow it through to the end, but get the most out of this free time (and alone time) while you have it.
FB: I can’t imagine this being the main reason, but if it made it on this list, maybe someone out there has felt this way?
Wrong Reason 2: You’re Freaked Out About Fertility
No matter how well we know our bodies, most of us have no idea about a fundamental aspect of our health — our ability to conceive — until we actually start to try.
It’s this nagging feeling that makes us anxious to jump into the baby ring. But take some of the pressure off yourselves and let nature take its course. Some couples have to wait a while to conceive, some get pregnant on the first try, and some without even trying! Assume the best, and only start the process when you’re truly ready for the pitter-patter of little feet in the house.
FB: Yeah, the constant reminder in media, and hearing from complete strangers on the street about your biological clock will certainly do it.
Wrong Reason 3: Everyone Is Having Them
Come on. What’s that saying about all your friends jumping off a bridge? This is a decision that will change your lives like no other. Make sure you’re both on the same wavelength about the big issues: Who, if anyone, will stay at home? Can your living situation handle it? A solid, united front is the key to being perfect parents to a kid. Just because Sam and Anna are ready doesn’t mean your twosome is ready for a threesome. And just because Britney did it, doesn’t mean anything.
FB: I can see this being a big pressure on me as I get older. Friends asking me: So, when are YOU having a baby, so we can arrange play dates? (OH PLEASE NO..)
Wrong Reason 4: You Think a Baby Is a Quick Fix
Being married isn’t easy, but it’s easy to think a baby will make your life a fairy tale. Parenthood isn’t all romance. Don’t make the biggest mistake of all and expect a baby to fill a void in your marriage, or use the idea of starting a family as a Band-Aid for your relationship. Instead, work on the two of you, and remember all the fabulous reasons you got together in the first place — then make room for baby.
FB: This is definitely a sad reason to have a baby. Hopefully people can see that babies are not quick fixes.
Wrong Reason 5: There’s Pressure From Parents
For years before your engagement, Mom dropped tons of not-so-subtle hints about wanting you to hurry up and tie the knot. Never one to let up, she’s now talking about her grandma urges. Like you do with everything else your mother tells you, listen patiently and then calmly explain to her how you’re still the master of your own destiny. Don’t worry — tell her she’ll be the first to know.
FB: This describes my parents to the core. Not about the marriage part, but the fact that they keep wanting a little grandchild to spoil. I say, go adopt one yourself if you want the joys of raising a child, but stop pressuring us. We live in an age where healthcare is much improved, people are living longer, better lives, and couples don’t need to have children to help take care of us and work the farm when we get older, or to provide for us – we have retirement funds/savings for that.
