Title: Evaluate personal readiness to form a family.
Course: Family Relations (19259-36) > Section: Analyzing Factors Related to Forming Committed Relationships Across the Lifespan

Evaluation should include

- level of emotional maturity
- level of economic independence
- level of intellectual maturity
- relative independence from parents
- desire to commit to a long-term relationship with another person
- desire to accept responsibilities associated with marriage and parenthood
- a realistic view of marriage and parenthood.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What characteristics and qualities do you have that would make you a good spouse? A good parent?
- What skills and abilities do you have that would help you fulfill the parental responsibilities of physical care, nurturing, and guidance?
- Why should finances be a factor in the decision to get married or have children?
- What economic resources do you have now?
- What resources do you anticipate having in the future?

Communication

- What communication skills do you have that would help you be a responsible spouse or parent?
- What skills do you need to learn?
- What communication skills are needed to investigate the responsibilities of marriage and parenthood?

Leadership

- What goals have you set for your future?
- How would these goals change if you married or had a child at your present age?
- What leadership skills do you need to learn to be a good spouse or a good parent?

Management

- What ethical standards will help you evaluate your readiness to form a family?
- What resources can help in evaluating readiness for marriage or parenthood?
- What skills might you need to parent a family that is blended, a single-parent family, adopted children, or grandchildren?