I was always sure that I will have two kids. It never even occurred to me that I should give a serious thought to having a second child or be content after my first baby. Having said that, we waited for a couple of years before planning our second baby to stabilize our finances and have more clarity in terms of career. There were many ifs and buts besides numerous discussions between me and husband. But, what's meant to be will be.
Having a second child can be challenging since it's not easy to deal with two children at the same time. It's not a cake walk, for sure. Just imagine for an instance that you were given exclusive attention for quite some time and then suddenly comes another person who becomes the talk of the town. How would you feel? That's exactly what happens with the first-born children. They start feeling neglected as soon as the second baby arrives. It's a very delicate phase that needs to be dealt with extra care.
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Things To Keep In Mind While Planning A Second Child
If you are thinking about having a second child, then there are few things that you should think about before taking the plunge:
1. Are You Prepared Mentally And Physically?
Mentally because you already have a child who needs your time and attention. Are you prepared to divide the time and attention, without making it tough for both, you and your child? Physically because your body has already through numerous changes after the first child. Are you prepared mentally and physically to go through pregnancy and labour once again?
"Get hold of your thoughts and seriously introspect about your readiness for this stage"
(Also read: Busted: 13 Myths Around Conceiving A Baby)
2. Did You Think About Your Job Or Career?
If you have been a working professional then you have once already taken a career break at the time of your first child. Are you ready to do this again? I know several women who have successfully returned to their full-time jobs again after having the second baby. I also know many women who restarted and reshaped their careers by choosing options that gave them the flexibility of working from home. I also know a few who made a conscious choice of leaving their jobs to be with the children. I made a conscious decision of staying back at home to bring up my kids and I chose to do something on my own. And, here I am.
"Be sure of your decision so you don't regret later"
3. Do Your Finances Support Your Decision Of Having The Second Baby?
Let's agree that the times that we live in, having a decent lifestyle requires finances. I am not even talking about luxuries. Will your earnings allow you to sustain the same or better lifestyle after the second child? Remember that the needs of your family only increase with time as the kids are growing up and your parents are ageing. Are you ready to tighten your fist and finances, if need be? Simultaneously, you also have to save for your children's education and your own future as well.
"Discuss about finances with your husband without hesitation"
(Also read: How To Prepare Your Body Before You Conceive?)
4. Have You Prepared Your First Child About The Arrival Of The Second Child?
If your elder child is grown up enough to understand then you must gradually prepare her for the arrival of the second child. Make it an inclusive experience for her. Always answer her question, no matter how awkward or funny they are. Remember, it's going to be a massive change for her too. Talk about how awesome it will be to have a sibling and the cool things both of them can do.
"Never evoke the feelings of jealousy or rivalry in your first child"
All the points above are from my experience during the time we were planning to and later conceiving the second child. I would love to know your thoughts on this. Is there something that you would like to add to it? Leave a comment below.
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