Signs You Are Both Ready to be Parents 

Written by Jana Angeles 

Whether you’re both in a committed relationship or are married, the topic of being parents will come up eventually. Being a parent is one of the most biggest roles you’ll ever take on in your life and the decision to be mum or dad should not come lightly. When you and your partner are talking about having kids, it can be a daunting task if you haven’t discussed it much before.  

It’s important to keep planning for the future as this will ultimately shape how you and your partner grow together. You also have to be on the same page when communicating and understand what it means to be parents. If both of you are considering having kids, take the time to see some of the signs which can help acknowledge that you’re both ready to be parents. 

You’re both able to put the needs of others first  

This is important to have for both you and your partner. Being parents means making sacrifices and putting the needs of your child before your own. While patience is important, recognising that the role of being a parent is to be selfless. You are basically teaching them everything from day one, so it’s extremely crucial that both you and your partner are taking turns and working as a team. If you are already doing this when helping out family members or friends, you’re both on the right track!

You are willing to show love and affection 

Love makes the world go round! Even though you don’t consider yourself as someone who likes to hug or kiss, being able to show love and affection to those around you can really help you with parenting. You and your partner should already be taking care of the little things such as communicating and working through problems, showing support when making tough decisions and being able to enjoy some quality time together. Showing love is beyond giving hugs and kisses – it’s so much bigger than that! 

You both know how to take care of yourselves 

If both you and your partner can take care of yourselves, then you are one step closer into being parents. When you have another human being enter your life, things will change and you will be spending most of your days taking care of your child. If you and your partner have a healthy relationship and aren’t codependent on each other, you are taking the right steps to be great parents. 

You have a strong support system 

Having your family and friends be there for you through challenging times is important. They have been there for you through the good and bad, so having a strong support system will help you and your partner be good parents. If you come from a dysfunctional family and have lost touch with most of your relatives, this should not automatically rule out having a strong support system. If you have your partner and some good friends, you can still build a network of people you can rely on, especially through those challenging times. This is one of the most important things to have when you are thinking about raising a family with your partner.

You are both responsible 

Responsibility comes in all forms. Whether it means being able to keep the house clean, taking care of the bills or facing confrontation and working through it together, you and your partner need to be responsible if you want to be parents. Raising a child together is not easy and there is no time to take on bad habits. If you are serious in committing to being a parent, you need to improve the way you make choices and be responsible for your own actions as well.  

Being parents is a big decision. Before you and your partner decide you want to have a child of your own, consider the signs above. If you are not close to meeting them all, then take the time to discuss with your partner on what you can do to improve your relationship and work together so at some point, you’ll both be ready to be parents.