How to Know When You Can Afford to Have Another Child
For most people, their child is the love of their life. So, it’s natural to want to have more kids at some point. While many people will claim that, as long as you have enough love to go around, you should have all the kids you want, that’s not always true. The fact is that there are a lot of things to consider before you make the final decision to have another child. We’re not just talking about whether you can financially afford it (although that is, of course, an important aspect), but also whether you can afford to make sacrifices in other areas of your life. If you’re considering having another child, but you aren’t entirely sure, this is the post for you.
Do you have enough money?
As mentioned above, while your financial state isn’t the only thing to consider, it is a pretty important factor. The truth is that children cost money. And while you may save some money if you have more kids – you could reuse things like clothes or car seats – that won’t make up for all the money you lose. Every child you have needs to have their basic needs taken care of, and as a parent, you need to be sure you can do this before committing to having another child. Not to mention the fact that their education will cost a lot. There are, of course, always ways to cross these obstacles - you can use the Toddle subsidy calculator to help you understand this better.
Is your mental health at a good place?
While having a child can be a wonderful experience, there’s no denying the fact that it’s also incredibly stressful, especially in the beginning. For a lot of parents, having children can severely impact their mental health, as it can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Postnatal depression is very serious. If you’re struggling to cope with just one child (or however many you currently have), consider the emotional impact of having more children.
Will your other children be able to cope?
Parenthood equals sacrifice, everyone knows that. But once you already have children, any choices you make will affect them as well. You can’t just consider your feelings. You should have an open discussion with your children about how they feel about having a sibling, and whether they have any questions. If your current children already feel as though they aren’t getting enough one-on-one attention with you, having another child may cause a rift in your relationship. Ultimately, though, the choice remains yours.
Can you afford the extra time?
Children don’t just need material things. They also need things like love, time, and attention. You need to consider whether your current schedule allows for you to spend time with your new child as well as any other children you have. Your child will also notice if one parent spends more time with them than another. Mothers are often seen as the primary caregivers, but spending time with their father can be just as important to a developing child.
