Should You Have Children?

Are you ready to take on one of most challenging jobs there is?

So many people jump in headfirst to a life of parenthood without really considering if it is what they want, or even if they are ready. Too many, in fact. There are a lot of children living in difficult conditions because their parents had no idea just how much of a financial and social burden having a child could be. A lot of young people romanticize the notion of parenthood. They think it will be all baby showers, smiles and fun. This is only a small part of the story though. Sure, many of us want to have children, but does that mean that we are ready to take on such a huge responsibility?

Take this test to help you determine if you are truly ready to become a parent. This is test is not for the faint of heart! Be prepared to be evaluated honestly as a prospective parent.

Note that if you don't ever want children assume that your score is zero. This test is for prospective parents only.

Please do not leave any question blank, or your score will not be accurate!

17 Questions

1 - I want to be a parent because I feel like it will make me happy.

A - Yes
B - No

2 - I am in a financial position where I can support myself twice over.

A - True
B - False

3 - Babies are adorable.

A - Yes
B - No

4 - My main reason for wanting a child (children) is:

A - The years of joy and happiness my child will bring me
B - All I've ever wanted to do is be a mom (or dad)
C - The idea of watching my kids grow and experience life is exciting
D - I want to pass my genes on to the next generation
E - I look forward to starting a family

5 - I have taken, or plan to take a parenting course.

A - Yes
B - No
C - No, but I have a parent/friend who is willing to help me out if things get tough

6 - I am prepared to suffer serious sleep deprivation for months.

A - Yes
B - No

7 - I get "baby jealousy" a bit when my friends have children and I don't yet. I want one of those!

A - Yes!
B - A bit
C - No

8 - I have made some mistakes in life. It's important that I don't let my children make the same ones.

A - True
B - False

9 - Which parenting style is closer to what you are likely to emulate?

A - I'll likely spoil my child a bit and be permissive
B - I'll be stingy. My child will earn what they get

10 - How old are you?

A - Under 18
B - 18-23
C - 24-28
D - 29+

11 - People who are able to have children, but choose not to are selfish

A - True
B - False

12 - It is important to me that my child be a:

A - Girl
B - Boy
C - I will be happy either way

13 - If my child was misbehaving in public, I would

A - Kindly, but firmly explain to them that they are not supposed to behave that way in public. Explain why this is the case.
B - Tell them that if they behave you'll reward them with a gift
C - Threaten to spank them
D - Humiliate them or embarrass them in public so they can see how it feels
E - Take them home

14 - I am in school more than 20 hours a week

A - Yes
B - No

15 - I would need to hire a nanny or babysitter at least a few times a week to look after my child because of my busy lifestyle

A - Yes
B - No

16 - My significant other and I have discussed the ins and outs of how we would raise our child

A - Yes
B - Somewhat
C - No
D - I am not in a relationship and/or I plan on raising the child on my own for now

17 - I feel pressure from a parent or significant other to have children AND it is confusing me

A - Yes
B - No