Right now i am open to having kids I think I know i am not ready yet but how will I know

Honestly, I don't think anyone is truly "ready." But, if you have serious doubts, for whatever reason, about whether it's the right time, it probably isn't. The only thing I can say, though, is that once you do, there is no going back. They're yours and you are "stuck" with them until the day you die. If you're not willing or able to make that kind of emotional, financial and physical committment, don't. It's not fair to your kids and you'll end up paying huge therapy bills someday

When you are prepared to commit 20 plus years of your life 24/7, and capable of placing someone above you, and being completely unselfish for most of that time.

Children require more than a quick pat on the head and feeding...they require all of you, and your time to support them in their growth, physically, mentally and spiritually, whatever one's religion may be, or belief structures.

Doubts would be a good clue that your not ready...

I am not sure when you would know your ready- but would
sugest being stable in life before having chidren.

Guess we know in our hearts when we are ready...

Your never ready.......Kids are a huge responsibility. They will change your Life forever. Don't get me wrong I Love my kids to death. I'm just sying that it something that you can never truley prepare for

I agree Mike,

Even (gasp!!!) as a woman, I was unsure of what my parenting capacities would be until I held my first born...then I had no doubt...I completely became his, as I did with each of my other children...it's the most humbling, rewarding, unselfish career I could have chosen.

Jess
I agree! My children were and are my life source. Now, I have just learned I will be a grandmother again in May...That's even more awesome.

Let me add a little more to this picture. Kids are forever, Your spouse may not be. You maybe happy with your significant other now but that doesn't mean you won't be divorced later.....And believe me "Happily Ever After" doesn't last as long as the saying implies. The kids may have to endure this pain along with you and your spouse.........Just one more thing to consider........

One thing I would say before you have kids....make sure you do everything that you want to do BEFORE you have them. After you have them, your life is never your own. After you "raise" them, then you get the grandkids. It goes on and on!!
So I think you need to live your life first and have your fun, then be ready to settledown

USM24 i was 36 when i had mine. I WAITED. Kids are alot of responsibility and a lifetime job. I will say its the greatest love you will ever know. Just take your time. Your 24! Let me say i am GLAD I waited to have mine. Now i cant imagine my life without my son. There is no greater love than the love of your child for sure!

i wasnt ready. 15 with my first 17 with the 2nd and just had number3 at 19. but you manage instinct kicks in and you gotta grow up a bit

When your wife or girlfriend tells you she is pregnant then your ready to have kids:)

I have been ready for years, but still no such luck. Not even a man so I can have them.

aww poor one gooffy needs a hook .. shes gorgeous too.. u should alreADY HAVE SOMEONE!!

When her water breaks?

Thanks astrosfan.

Good one, Gams.

When do you know you are ready to have kids? Truth is you are never ready. But they come out and you spend the rest of your life working like crazy to catch up. Sometimes it is bliss and then sometimes it is living hell. If you think you are in control you are only fooling yourself because all you really do is love them like they are the air you breath and hope you can cope with what ever comes along. Some of it comes naturally and the rest you learn by the seat of your pants. What you don't learn haunts you in your worst nightmares. If your lucky they survive your mistakes and their own. If not a part of you jumps in the grave right behind them. When they are safe, successful, happy you feel warm in the reflection of their smile like nothing else. The previous post about being sure you are able to do it as a one person show is very true. What many do not realize is they may have no choice in being the custodial parent so you better be darn sure you are making your partner (and the state) satisfied in how you are raiseing your child or you may end up watching from the sidelines for many of the fun times. By the time your kid has choice in the matter the dye is set and you have to live with the result. Often it won't be pretty.Last but not least if you think being a parent is going to make you a hero forget that thinking. Parents are vessels that their children pass through. They take what they need, if they can, and society does not teach them to credit you for anything. You have to do it because you love the process and hopefully the result. The real shocker is you may or you may not. A lot of that will have to do with how much you love yourself. The apple rarely falls very far from the tree. Choose wisely for which you entwine yourself as a parent.

quite a deep subjec

If you have to ask, then your not ready.