Some will claim that the first two or three years of parenting can be the most demanding and difficult time out of all the stages; others will claim that the teenage years are by far the more difficult to deal with. Both are right in that all families are different and have their own unique problems. Some families will find the teenage years the easier as their children become more mature, while others encounter nothing but problems. It all depends on how the parents raise their children and how close their family unit is. The first few years of parenting are enjoyable for most, without doubt, but it can also be a trying time, especially for people who are on their first child and are going through it for the first time.

How much trouble can a baby under three years be? They can be no trouble, but then they can seem like a lot of trouble. It all depends on the mood, the circumstance and whether the baby was planned for or not. All of these can have an impact on whether the child is seen as an added complication or not. Whatever the circumstance, most made the choice at some point to have the child and few regret it. For about the first three years of its life, the child is completely dependent on its parents and requires a lot of attention, especially from the mother because she is often the primary caregiver. It can be both exhausting and rewarding. It can be exhausting in that the child has no regular sleep or eating patterns, can sometimes seem like it is always crying and finding a babysitter for the first few weeks is not in question as it needs its mother the most at that time. Seeing the child grow and develop; taking its first few steps, saying its first word and becoming a little more independent can make it all worth it for the parents.

People thinking about becoming parents will often focus more on the good things about it and forget about considering the fact that it can be a strain on the marital relationship, especially if they are not prepared for it. A couple has to ensure they are ready to take on the responsibility before making the decision, because not being ready could lead to many complications in the near and far future. This is why it is often recommended that parents who are seriously considering a child should consider online therapy. An online therapist and an online counselor are available for anyone who is looking for answers, suggestions and advice. The online therapist can discuss the reality of parenting with the couple and can make it all clear in an impartial way so that the parents are aware of the choice they are considering.

Communication through online counseling in regards to parenting can help in that the online therapist can help the couple decide whether or not they are really prepared to become parents; some will be ready, but others might not be ready. When having a child, it is always better for the parents and their relationship to be prepared for the added responsibility and extreme change to their life. One must also remember the possible child in this. Whether a couple is ready or not will have a direct impact on how the child is raised, as well as how they develop mentally.

By: Dr. Jennifer Baxt, DMFT

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