How to decide whether or not to start a family
With a post-pandemic baby boom being predicted, Emma discusses what issues couples need to consider when it comes to deciding if you want to have children
Normally if you’re deciding whether to start a family, you have a list of things to think about, but now we have a lot of extra ones regarding how long this will go on, job security and fears around keeping a roof over our heads. But while things are uncertain, the government is doing what it can to keep jobs safe, and help people with costs.
EXPLORE OPTIONS
If you are single and fear you won’t be able to get out and meet anyone in time, calm those anxious thoughts. People often take a month or two off dating anyway, to take some time to themselves. Also, you can meet and chat to people from your own home – arrange to share a glass of wine over an app to get to know people you’re chatting to. Also, remind yourself that we are lucky enough now to be able to start a family without a partner, and choices from egg freezing to adoption can be explored if it comes to it. Explore your options, because feeling informed means being empowered.
GET INFORMED
If you have a secure job that you love and that isn’t too badly impacted by coronavirus, and you feel ready for kids, talk to your employer about more flexible working options to start when this is all over. This way you will feel reassured that you can manage your career and become a parent.
If as a couple you are unsure about whether to have kids, use this time to get informed. Speak to friends and relatives with children to get the low-down on the pros and cons of being a parent for a really good insight into the joys and stresses kids create. Don’t feel pressure to have a family; if you don’t feel broody, it’s OK to feel that a family isn’t for you. If you know you don’t want to have kids, all power to you for knowing your own mind. If you are made to feel bad about your choice, remind people that you are helping to save the planet by massively reducing your carbon footprint.
TRY NOT TO WORRY
There is never a perfect time to get pregnant, and if you really want a child, try not to overthink or worry about the future so much that you forget about all the fantastic aspects of becoming a mum.
MILK
Freeze in small amounts or in ice cube trays – you can pop these straight into tea and coffee, or use them to make custard, porridge and white sauces.
HARD CHEESE
Grate hard cheese such as Cheddar and Parmesan, then freeze it. Add it to omelettes and sauces or use to top fish pie, pasta or cottage pie.
EGGS
Crack eggs and freeze in a sealed container (don’t try to freeze them in their shells). Use to make omelettes, frittatas, scrambled eggs and cakes.
YOGHURT
Freeze yoghurt and fromage frais in their tubs.
TOMATOES
Use leftover tomatoes to make tomato sauce – fry onion and garlic, then add chopped tomatoes and mixed herbs. Freeze cherry tomatoes whole.
GREEN VEG
Steam spinach for a few minutes, squeeze out any excess moisture, then freeze. Blanch chopped cabbage and cauliflower and broccoli florets for a few minutes, then plunge into icy water to stop them cooking, then freeze; grill slices of courgette, let them cool, then freeze.
PEPPERS
Deseed and slice, then freeze. Then use them straight from frozen for dishes like fajitas, stir fries and roasted veg.
POTATOES
Cook potatoes – whether boiled, mashed, roasted or as jackets – then leave to cool and freeze. Defrost and serve as normal.
BANANAS
Peel first and freeze. Use in smoothies, in porridge or mix with yoghurt.
MEAT, POULTRY AND FISH
Buy fresh, separate into individual portions and freeze (check the packaging for fish to see if it can be frozen). You can also freeze cooked meat such as beef, chicken, pork or lamb. Cut into bite sized-pieces first.
BAKED GOODS
Bread, crumpets, pittas, bagels, rolls, wraps, croissants, and even slices of cake can be frozen. Separate into individual portions so you can use just small amounts as and when needed. You can toast slices of bread from frozen.