Factors to consider when planning a family. Flashcards
Identify FOUR factors that couples need to consider before planning to start a family.
- Relationships between partners
- Money situation
- Parental age
- Changes needed in lifestyle
- Suitability of home
- Location of home
- Safety of home
- Careers
Explain why relationship between partners is important.
Ideally a couple should have a secure, stable and loving relationship so that they can take decisions together about the child’s welfare.
The couple’s relationship may change after the baby is born as the father may feel left out or neglected if the mother breast feeds. They will also have less time to be together and sleepless nights can cause them to argue.
Explain why a couple’s financial circumstances is important before starting a family.
The money going into the household will be reduced when the mother starts her maternity leave. It is important that the couple do not have any unnecessary debts as they will have less income but will have to spend money on the child, including clothing, food, equipment and nappies.
The cost of childcare may also impact on the families income, especially if the mother is returning to work.
As the child gets older, there will also be additional expenses, including holidays, presents, leisure activities etc.
Explain why parental age is a factor when considering when to start a family.
The age of the parents is important. If the parents are young they will have to consider whether they are ready to have a child. Having a child may impact on their own education, career opportunities and financial resources.
If the parents are slightly older, it may be that they have waited so that the mother can have a career. However they should not wait until the mother is too old as there is a risk of infertility, and birth and motherhood can become more tiring the older the mother gets.
Explain why changes in lifestyles are a factor when considering when to start a family.
Becoming a parent for the first time can mean less freedom for the parents to do as they please. A child will need routine and constant care, which means they will have to be at home when previously they may have been out enjoying themselves.
The way that they live may have to change as it is advisable that parents do not smoke around a baby as this may increase the risk of cot death.
Decisions will also have to be reached about the care of child. It may be that the mother may have to give up work which can reduce the household income, or pay for childcare which can be costly.
