Being a parent: the basics
Monday 18 April 2005
Having a child can be one of the most amazing things we can do in our lives. But it can also provide us with one of our biggest challenges.
Having a child means a lifelong commitment to someone who will need your care and support for upwards of the next 16 years of your life.
Although there are 720,000 babies born every year in the UK, many people don't realise fully the effects that having a child can have on your family, your education or career, your lifestyle and even the relationship with your partner.
Caring for a child
Some of the qualities you will need to care for a child include:
- Energy - children, particularly new born babies, can require round the clock care. You'll need to be there for them whenever they need you.
- Patience - whether it's your baby daughter's habit of playing with their food, or waiting for your teenage son to get home before midnight, you'll need to compromise all the while.
- Good time manager - you will need to be able to juggle your life with the needs of your child. This is why many new parents always look tired!
- Responsibility - you'll need to make sure your child gets the necessary injections, that they eat nourishing and healthy food and that they go to school.
No matter what your personal strengths are, at some point you will probably need the help of your family to bring up your children. For the majority of people, parents, brothers and sisters can provide a good support network.
Help and support
Support with benefits and housing may be available, but the level of help you can get depends on things like your age, whether you are unemployed or working, whether you have given birth and whether you are living with your partner.
For advice on what support you are able to receive as a parent, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or your local Jobcentre Plus office.
Giving birth to a child can seriously affect your education or career. Whether it's a dream career in hairdressing or brain surgery, you may have to put your career aspirations on hold. But just because you're young, that doesn't mean you have any fewer employment rights.
There is support with the cost of registered childcare from the Government called Care to Learn. Call 0845 600 2809 for more information. You could also try talking to a Connexions adviser on 08080 013219 who will be able to talk you through your options.
The reality of being a parent
As a parent, you will also need to make sure your child gets an education. It will be your responsibility to make sure your children go to school everyday and on time. A list of local schools in your area should be available from your local council.
As well as caring for your child, it's also important to look after your own wellbeing. If you can, try to spend some time on your own or socialise with friends to recharge your batteries. Or, invite your family or friends around so you can catch up with the world while keeping an eye on your child. You could also use this time to swap parenting tips with friends or family.
For an insight into the responsibilities of being a parent or an explanation of some of the support available to you, take a look at our list of recommended links.
