How does having a kid affect your life?

Question

Does having a kid slow down your education, your career, your free time? How does it take away from you in life?

Answer 1

having a child is one of the most precious things in the world, although it can be very challenging. Depending on the parent's ages it really can affect your education if you allow it to. I had my first when I was 17, before I graduated from high school but thankfully i kept on track (with the help of my baby's father, who is now my husband, and my loving parents) and I graduated from high school and went on to graduate from college as well. Children are such a blessing but yes, they do take away from your free time. Me and my husband set aside a night every week to have a "date night" and that helps keep our relationship strong. Don't take me wrong though, having a child is one of the most profound experiences that a person can have, children bring such joy to your life. I now have 3 children and do not regret a moment of it, they are wonderful, it really reminds you of the smaller things in life need to be appreciated. Kids have such a great view of the world and its fun to hear their questions and TRY to answer them the best that you can. Its all a journey, one that is well-worth it!

Answer 2

Having a kid completely changes your life. Yes...it slows down some things, and free time generally becomes a thing of the past...but they don't take away from your life at all. Kids add a richness that was never there before.. You may not have much of a social life for a while, and you may know all the words to the Spongebob theme song...but you are just so filled with love for them...and they for you...it is totally worth it. As kids get older, your free time opens back up...but you shouldn't have a kid unless you are totally committed to the idea..because it is life changing.

Answer 3

Having a child changes every aspect of your life. I have 3 children and I am a full time college student. It has not slowed down my education, it just makes it harder to study and go to class and have to get baby sitters while you are at school. I quit my job to stay home with my children while they are little. I used to think I was giving up so much, but now I realize that I have gained to much. Those first years only happen once. You can't take them back. Your carreer and education can wait or you can proceed with it with children. As far as free time. it doesn't happen a lot. You have to make a set time for free time. But, a child is a gift from god. All of the sacrifices are well worth it. If you think you are not ready, don't do it!

Answer 4

Having a kid completely changes your life. In every aspect!

No time for education, no money for fees.
Career? What career? The cost of child care makes working dreadful. I mean I'm working so I can pay someone else to watch my kids?

Free time ....lol. My only free time is when hubby watches the baby so I can get out. Usually I go to the scrapbook store, or bookstore. Just some quiet time where I don't have to worry abut a fussy baby. Or, feeding someone. :))

People told me how it would change my life. I was like, yeah right. How bad is it gonna be. I heard stories of people saying they hadn't showered in three days. And, put the baby in the bouncer so they could take a 2 minute shower. Now...I wish my son would take to the bouncer so I could get a two minute shower!

I haven't showered in three days...:(((

And, hubby is coming home early so I can shower, finish laundry, and do the dishes. Life becomes crazy ;)) But, I wouldn't change it!

Answer 5

I have a 6 year old. From the time you get pregnant it's not about you anymore. You do everything for your baby! From what you eat to not buying that CD because you need diapers instead! Once you have the baby there's no free time until they learn to play on their own, but if they're very attached to you then free time will come when they start school. If you work and your child gets sick then you have to leave early and maybe miss the next couple of days till they get better. Try studying with a 4 year old asking you "Why? why? why?" and not stopping till he gets a favorable answer...maybe! Everything is put on hold. I love my son dearly and do everything for him happily but don't want another one just because people say I should, or because he will grow up to be an only child. I don't have another one cause it's very hard work! I commend the women who have several and still keep sane. I'm not looking forward to the teen years, if now he tells me "I don't want to" I don't want to think about how hurtfull those words will be ten years from now when he slams the door in my face. I'm trying to raise him properly with morals, manners and ethics but that doesn't mean he's going to be a well mannered prince and do everything right. What I'm saying is if your education, career and free time come first you're going to have a tough time adjusting. If you're willing to put these things aside HAPPILY then go for it. Only you can decide.

Answer 6

I can't believe anyone would ask this question. When you have a baby your life is never the same again. If you have any idea of doing anything for yourself in the first 18 or 20 years, forget it. Unless you are filthy rich and pay everyone to do the mothering that every child needs and deserves.

There are joys to motherhood but most people ONLY look at the good stuff, not the bad. Mothers feel like they are failures if they admit they should have waited longer to have children or that they should have never had children in the first place.

I think everyone should have to take a baby for 6 months before they get pregnant and care for it around the clock. There would be a large drop in our population.

Answer 7

First of all, please remember that babies are a celebration of all the good things life can be. They are a blessing and a gift and they should be treated as such. Your own child is not like looking at other people's babies. You see yourself in them. You watch them grow and learn.They love you unconditionally! Yes, they are a lot of responsibility but don't let that scare you. They are a FUN responsibility. If you are having a baby, enjoy every stage they go through because there is no rewind in this!! Babies have a tendency to make you more responsible. After my first baby was born, I didn't realize how selfish I was before that. Now when I think about improving my wardrobe or investing in something, I put my children first and am happy to do so. My two little girls make me proud and I would do whatever it takes for them. Being a parent is very rewarding. It's all of what you make of it!!

Answer 8

1. Someone has to be with the kid 24 hours a day taking care of it. This means if you are going to class, work, the bar, or anywhere you can't bring the kid, you have to get someone else to take care of it. Until they are 12. This is very difficult.
2. You have total responsibility for the person. You have to change their clothes, feed them, make sure all their needs are met. Including psychological needs. It's a big challenge being a parent, balancing disciplilne, enforcing bedtimes, etc. You have to also set a good example.
3. When you do have a child with you, you are limited. THey do things like scream in movies or fuss in planes or restaurants. They need play time and can't do things like a 16-hr car ride. They can't fold their own clothes. When they're little they can't even walk so when you are at the grocery store, you have to carry all the groceries plus them. They have many many needs and it is your job to take care of them.

*of course i think it is all worth it and would do it again. i did not explain the advantages just answered your question.

Answer 9

of course a child affects your life... you are no longer just responsible for yourself .. someone else is relying on you. It does slow down your education in the sense that children require a lot of time and attention especially when they are smaller. Your career is affected but that would depend on what kind of work you did. Your free time?? what free time?? unless your child has a babysitter (in other words..grandparents) you basically have no free time until you sleep. In this day in age.. also veeeeeeerrrrrrrry expensive.. diapers, formula, clothes.. i could go on and on, but they are blessings in every way.

Answer 10

I guess it depends on what perspective you are looking at it. My daughter enriches my life and doesn't take away from it at all. A child becomes your life in essence so if you are extremely career minded it would take from that of course. I am not saying you can't have a career, further your education or have free time but when you have a child you have to share your time with your child.

Answer 11

I don't know about education or career...I was already out of college and settled in my career of choice when I had my first baby. It definitely takes away from your free time..to be sure! That's OK...what you get in return for them makes up for all the new-release movies you didn't get to see at the theater, but rather had to watch as a rental. Besides...when you DO get free time, you appreciate it even more. :)