Having children isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. However, if you’re in the right place emotionally and financially to become a parent then it can be a wonderful and life-changing experience. So whether it’s fostering, adopting, or having a child of your own, here are five reasons why you should think about having children in your home.
1. They make daily life more fun
Kids are full of creativity, which makes even the most mundane daily activities more fun. Walking to the shops becomes a race or a scavenger hunt, and with a child’s imagination even chores can become a game. They constantly make you smile with their stories, silly jokes, songs, and new make-believe scenarios, which in turn brightens your day. Plus, when you’re having a tough time, they’ll remind you of what’s truly important in life.
2. They help keep you young
Although having kids around can’t physically turn back the clock or alter your genetics, it can help you to stay young at heart. If you play games with your children (particularly imaginative ones such as pretending to be wizards or dragons!), or engage in childlike activities such as snowball fights, finger painting, building forts and so on, you may be able to embrace a more youthful mindset too. It might not make you live longer, but it will help you to have more fun and keep you feeling younger!
3. You can transform their lives
This one is particularly true for those who adopt or foster kids. Such children have often been through trauma or other difficult life experiences and may be very shy or exhibit behavioral problems as a result of that. By encouraging them, supporting them, and providing them with a warm and welcoming environment in which to live, you can give them a fresh start and help them to develop into a healthy and well-adjusted adult. If this is something you’re interested in, contact a local foster care agency to find out more about the process and how to get started. It’s likely to be one of the best decisions you ever make.
4. You’ll learn plenty of new skills
Becoming a parent or guardian involves learning all sorts of new skills. Some of these are quite factual and specific, such as how to change a diaper, while others are more educational. After all, there’s nothing like helping kids with their homework as a way to boost your math, history and science knowledge! Not only that, but you’ll also develop some key character traits that are sure to serve you well in other aspects of your life (such as work). These include positivity, patience, problem-solving, negotiation, organization and communication.
5. Watching them grow is so rewarding
One of the most enjoyable parts of having children in your home is watching them develop and grow into capable, mature, independent and interesting young people with their own wants, personalities and talents. As each milestone ticks past, your love and pride for your kids will only blossom. Before you know it, you’ll have gone from choosing fun new hobbies to discussing college options, career ideas and wedding plans!
