Nine questions to ask if you’re on the fence about having kids, according to a mum, finance guru, psychologist and career expert

August 2, 2026 - 14:47

Having children has become an increasingly complex decision for young Australians, many of whom are being forced to weigh the joys of parenthood against the financial and personal costs of bringing a little person into the world. With housing pressures, career ambitions, and shifting social expectations, the choice is no longer a simple yes or no. To help those who are genuinely unsure, a mother, a financial planner, a psychologist, and a career coach have put together a list of nine practical questions to ask yourself before making the call.

The first question is about your energy levels. Do you have the physical and emotional stamina to handle sleepless nights, endless tantrums, and the constant demands of a child? Next, consider your relationship. Are you and your partner truly aligned on parenting styles, division of labour, and how you will keep your connection alive? The finance guru suggests asking whether you can afford the real cost of childcare, lost income, and the bigger home you will likely need. He also advises thinking about your long-term savings goals and whether a child would delay them by five or ten years.

The psychologist encourages people to look at their own childhood. What patterns do you want to repeat, and which ones are you desperate to break? She also asks whether you have a support network of family or friends who can step in when you need a break. The career expert adds two more: are you willing to pause or slow down your professional trajectory, and can you find meaning in your work that does not rely on constant advancement? Finally, the mother offers the simplest question of all. Do you actually want to be a parent, not just have a baby? The answer, she says, should come from a calm place, not from pressure or guilt. Taking time to sit with these questions can bring clarity, even if the answer is not what you expected.