| 1. Cost | | | | that, once you have your baby then nature kicks |
| This might sound like a very cold way to look at | | | | in and you get on with it. But you and your |
| having a baby, but it does matter. It is a very | | | | partner/spouse may have differing views on how |
| costly affair and it is only after the event that | | | | to bring baby up. It is, therefore, very important |
| you realise how much the weekly "baby bill" really | | | | that you would have had a frank discussion, |
| is. So you, as a couple, need to check your | | | | previously, about the way in which you want to |
| finances and make sure you are going to be able | | | | rear your child. Things like nutrition, discipline, |
| to give your child the necessities. | | | | physical activity and also religion(this can be a |
| 2. Work | | | | very contentious issue if not already agreed upon) |
| When baby comes along will you be able to take | | | | are some of the issues which are important and |
| time off? What does your maternity leave have | | | | which should be given alot of thought. |
| to offer? How much time are you allowed to | | | | Many people, including family and spouse's family, |
| have before the baby arrives and when will you | | | | will invariably have plenty of advice for you as to |
| have to return to work? These are all questions | | | | how to rear your kids. Don't react negatively to |
| you need to answer before making that big | | | | this because the experience of people who have |
| decision. | | | | trod the same path have a lot to offer and can |
| 3. Childcare | | | | help you avoid the same mistakes again. |
| This is a crucial point to consider and really comes | | | | But if your house is a house of love then you will |
| to light in the case where both parents are | | | | not go too far wrong. |
| working. You should, ideally, have made a decision | | | | Finally, having children is one of the most |
| on this prior to the event. Whether, one of you is | | | | wonderful things you can do in this life. So stay |
| going to give up work for the foreseeable future | | | | positive, be happy and enjoy your children when |
| and look after your child at home or you are | | | | they come along. They will be adults in the blink of |
| going to work from home or maybe you are | | | | an eye so make the most of your time with |
| going to put your child into a creche. | | | | them and give them the best grounding for like |
| 4. Child Rearing | | | | that you possibly can. |
| Again, this might seen like a ridiculous point, in | | | | |