A common question asked to newlyweds and couples is, “When are you going to have kids?”. Though a very short phrase, it carries much weight. Bringing a child into the world from conception to birth is a load in and of itself. Then the real work begins. And for some (like myself) the countdown ticks (18, 17, 16 years til their gone).
My child was born a few years after I completed college. I had a job, but not in the field I particularly cared for. I was about to start grad school, was about to purchase another vehicle, and had aspirations of traveling more. Suddenly, it seemed as if I’d have to postpone some of those tasks or cancel them all together. After speaking with my uncle, he told me I wasn’t ready for a child. He mentioned there is a checklist for kids. Shockingly to me, he mentioned :
- I should definitely be married and the household should be able to survive off one income.
- I should have bought a home and remodeled and completed any home improvements.
- I should have been halfway through paying for a “family friendly” car (Audi coupe dreams gone
). - Save at least 6 months worth of living expenses for emergency funds.
- Pay off all or at least most of your debt.
I was astonished! My immediate response was that I’d be 50 before having a child. But after reading a few books and magazines, I’ve found that many people follow this philosophy. Others just make the babies and keep going. But even if you did all of the above listed items, would that still prepare you for the road ahead that comes with raising a child.
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