It appears that being a one-time-mommy just won’t do for Bristol Palin. But don’t worry — the recently engaged mother of 18-month-old son Tripp isn’t planning on expanding her family anytime soon. “I’m going to wait a while, definitely,” the 19-year-old told People. “I’m not going to rush into having another kid.” Bristol hopes that she and fiancé Levi Johnston, 20, can provide Tripp with “a brother or sister, eventually.”
When will you know if you’re ready to enlarge your family?
Cupid’s Advice:
Thinking about giving your child a brother or sister in the future? Examine these areas of your current family life to see if you and your clan are ready to expand:
1. Talk to your little one: No matter how young they may be, discussing the prospect of a new baby brother or sister with your child is a good way to get them used to the idea, while also reminding them that they will always be loved and cared for, regardless of future family size.
2. Budget: Kids are priceless, but raising them is not. Before you become a mom or dad for the second time around, get familiar with your spending patterns. Analyze your financial decisions and commitments with your last child, and consider whether or not you could make it work again. Check out MoneyNing’s guide to Planning and Budgeting For a New Baby.
3. How much time is on your side?: Baby planning and pregnancy can be time consuming, but nothing is more of a commitment than maintaining a family. If you or your spouse are already inundated with career-related responsibilities, or have trouble making time for each other or your current child, then you may need to hold off on adding another baby to your household right now. Take time to fully develop your current family dynamics so that you can all be well-adjusted and welcoming of any future little ones!
