How difficult is it to raise a baby?

Question

I'm 23 & never had kids but in the future-not now-I want some. I have my college degree. My mom doesn't want me with any, & she thinks I don't have the mentality to raise a child.

Answer 1

I won't lie to you, it is very difficult work, but also VERY rewarding. All it takes is lots of love honey, so if you're ready to love a child with your entire soul, you can be a mom.

Don't let anyone else make the decision for you, it's yours alone to make. And hey, just look at all the nutjob moms you hear about in the news and entertainment business...you'd have a step up on them easy!

Answer 2

How difficult is it to raise a baby? Honey that has got to be the question of all questions. Becoming a parent is a very serious thing. You are in charge of a little person for the next 18 years.
Every waking moment, you are a parent. Your life must be dedicated to making sure your child is healthy and happy. You make a lot of sacrifices as a parent. Now , I am not saying that you let your children rule your life. I think the biggest mistake that young adults make when they have children - that when that child grows up, you want to try and be the cool parent and give your child alot of leniency. There is nothing wrong with giving a child freedom and independence but never let them forget who is the child and who is the parent.

At 23 - you still may want to live it up a little with your friends and such. When you have a child - all that goes away. You can't just pick up and bounce when you want to. So think about that when all your friends are heading out on a island vacation get-away while you are at home changing diapers. You have plenty of time to have a child. Most women today are having babies in their late 30's to early 40's.

Answer 3

I only have a three month old, so that's the only experience I've had. As I'm sure you've heard, babies are a lot of work. As a mommy, you are "on" all the time. You even sleep less soundly because you are always congizant of the fact that you could be needed at any moment. And, all babies are different. Mine happens to be pretty easy, while some of my friends' babies are difficult. But, at the same time, the rewards of being a mommy are indescribably wonderful.

I hope that you will make good decisions for you and your eventual baby. There's nothing better than being able to bring a child into a stable, nurturing, loving environment.

Best of luck.

Answer 4

Having a child is your choice, not your mothers. Being a parent is a very selfless thing to do though. Everything is the child 1st, always. No going out anytime you want, plans that are made might be put on hold when the baby has a temperature and needs mommy. But....on the other hand it is a rewarding thing and being a mommy is the greatest thing in my life. You have to decide when and if the time is right for a child. Only you will know if want to have children. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Answer 5

I am going to be a first time mother in a few weeks, so I'm not speaking from parenting experience, only from that of an expecting parent and a teacher. Raising kids is a full time job that requires 100% of your time, love, and energy. You have to be prepared to sacrifice a lot of what you love to do on your own for the sake of what is best for your child. Some children I have taught have been difficult to handle....many of those had parents who were not supportive of them or availible to them like they should have been. Other children had disabilities and problems with learning and health...all of which you have to consider when you think about having a child of your own.
Also there is the financial side of things. Children are EXPENSIVE! We started saving for a baby many years before my husband and I got married (I'm 28, we've been together since 20), and we still feel concerned about having enough money to buy what she needs and save for her future. You have to think of health care, diapers, formula...even saving for school for a child! It is overwhelming, and it isn't an easy decision.
You have to listen to your heart and decide if you are willing to make sacrifices, both long and short term, for a child. You also need to think of who will help support you both....as a mother, you'll need emotional support, and you will want your child to have support also. Please consider carefully....from the moment you concieve, your life is no longer simply your own and you start living for someone else.

Answer 6

Raising children is a full-time occupation in addition to any other full-time occupation you might have. In addition, the kindest, most loving thing you can do is to give a child two parents who're there for the child and for each other. Sometimes life doesn't work out that way, but you're in a position to choose what you will do and you should not lightly choose to have a child. Listen to your mother. It doesn't sound as if you have a clue what goes into raising a child.

Answer 7

I'm not a parent, but having worked with parents for years, I won't go into it blindly. It's CRAZY hard work to have a baby. And to care for children of any age. But it's completely doable or else the human race would have died out a million years ago.

I think there's something missing to the story why your mom is saying what she's saying. That's not to insinuate that she's correct...it just seems odd. Regardless, as an adult, it's your body and your decision. I've known women who were dumb as stumps...really unintelligent women...who make great parents. And super-brainiacs who are horrible parents. Smarts has nothing to do with it.

Answer 8

Raising children is a very very hard responsibilty. You HAVE to have patience, Money, and certainly the maternal instinct helps alot. You have to be prepared for those late nights, the temper tantrums and how expensive they can be. But it is all worth it to me when I see my little one with a great big smile, and when she comes up and gives me hugs and kisses!! There are alot of Pros and Cons in raising children, it just depends on your attitude toward it. Good luck!

Answer 9

I am only thirteen and my best friends mom has cancer.... i helped her since the sixth grade raise her baby sister b.c her dad walked out and her mom is in a coma and i mean raiseing a baby isnt a walk in the park but if you have the patients i mean its not too hard but it takes time, ;love and davotion so i mean if you feel ready in your heart ...then i think you are ready.

Answer 10

Very difficult. I am 22 and have 1 baby and 4 step kids which I treat as my own.
But don't regret a thing.