Title: Assess responsibilities and personal readiness for parenthood.
Course: Life Planning (19257-18) > Section: Creating and Maintaining Healthy Relationships

Assessment should include

- recognizing the importance of the parenting role
- examining factors affecting the decision to become parents
- identifying personal qualities needed by parents
- identifying the social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and financial considerations of parenting
- evaluating current knowledge of child development and child care.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What factors influence a decision to have children?
- What criteria should be used to weigh the importance of each of these factors?
- What is the relationship of educational and career goals versus parenthood?
- What are some poor reasons for having children? What can happen when people have children for poor reasons?

Communication

- What questions should be asked to determine our readiness for parenthood?
- What is the role of communication in making decisions regarding parenthood?

Leadership

- What ethical standards will guide you in considering your readiness for parenthood?
- What might be the consequences of unrealistic expectations regarding parenthood?
- What leadership abilities are needed to make responsible decisions regarding parenthood?

Management

- What are some favorable and unfavorable factors to consider in predicting parental success?
- What resources are available to help you consider factors regarding readiness for parenthood?