Having children is one of the greatest joys in life, but family planning shouldn’t be spontaneous. The decision to start a family takes thoughtful consideration and time. The practical and financial aspects of parenthood are the most obvious, but what about health factors? Many parents don’t realize there are plenty of personal characteristics and lifestyle qualities to consider before having a family. Australian workplaces are becoming more and more full of depression, anxiety and stress, per an outsized study of mental health in corporate Australia.
These five factors of healthy family planning will help you ensure that your future children get the best possible start to life and that they’ll be taken care of from day one.
- Family Size
The type of family you have or want to have will impact your health coverage and needs. A health insurance for families is essential, but there isn’t any one-size-fits-all policy. A single parent will have different medical needs than a two-parent household that plans on having multiple children over the course of the next several years.
As your family grows, you’ll need a plan that can cover maternity and birth services, pediatric care and everyday medical costs. Understanding the different types of policies and how you’ll need to adjust your coverage as your family expands is an important consideration before you start having children.
- Lifestyle Choices
Do you smoke or drink? If so, you are at a greater risk of developing health problems such as heart disease and cancer. Children exposed to secondhand smoke may also suffer from respiratory problems and other health conditions. Your lifestyle will impact how healthy your child is, and your own well-being becomes far more important when you have another person who depends on you to survive.
A recent Stress and well-being survey conducted by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) has found that 26 per cent of Australians are experiencing moderate to very severe symptoms of depression, and 26 per cent of Australians are experiencing above-normal levels of tension.
Before you have children, consider how healthy your life and what adjustments you should make before you add a baby into the mix. Children learn first and foremost by example, so living a healthy lifestyle and showing them how to care for their own personal health is crucial.
- Emergency Funds
Accidents happen, and you have to be prepared for them. A good family health insurance plan will have full emergency coverage as well as additional services. However, you should still consider setting up a savings account for family emergencies that will always have urgent medical bills covered.
- Living Arrangements
Air and water quality and community health are important considerations when buying a family home. Where your children grow up will vastly impact their physical, emotional and social development. You have to conduct thorough research and explore multiple areas before you decide on the best place to raise a family.
Living expenses and tuition prices in Australia are significantly less than in the USA and UK. Looking up schools can be a good way to pinpoint specific zones that may be a good fit for you and your family as your children get older. The structure is crucial to children’s well-being, and their mental health will benefit greatly from having a safe, healthy environment to grow up in for the first years of their life.
- Medical History
It’s important to understand you and your partner’s family medical history before you try to conceive. There are many genetic disorders and diseases that can be passed down from parents to children unknowingly. You may carry certain “markers” that put your child at risk of inheriting a health condition or developmental disorder. Going through genetic testing before having children is a smart decision, and it will help you make the most informed choice for your future family and health care.
Family Health Matters
The individual comprises the family, so taking care of yourself is vital to the well-being of those you care about most. Explore your health insurance options and be sure to stay on top of your physical and mental health care. Planning a family is an excellent opportunity to make improvements in your own health routine and bring greater awareness to your needs.
