babies-and-children > are-you-ready-to-be-a-father-

ready to be a father? It may be helpful to think about how being a father will affect you. The following questions may help you to work our whether you feel ready to be a father:

Your relationship with your partner. Will we be able to cope with tough times?
Your responsibilities - Are you ready to take on these new, long term responsibilities?
Your long term plans - Do you see yourself finishing your education, training, travelling or earning a living?

These questions may be hard to answer. It is OK, to take a bit of time to think about them. It may also be a good idea to talk to someone you trust like your girlfriend, your parents or someone else who has had a child. You might also talk to FPA Healthline (1300 658 886) or your doctor for more information.

What some young fathers say

You may find it helpful to read some of the quotes below. These are some comments from young fathers:

"Just to see that child smile....makes it all worth it".

"It doesn't matter how old you are, you've still got love" (Shane 17)

"Don't have kids unless you're really prepared ......You've got to become an adult straight away" (Lawrence 21)

(published with permission in writing from:http://www.reachout.com.au/)