Considering Parenting?

Trying to decide what is best for you and your child is likely to be one of the biggest decisions of your life.

Parenting, whether alone or with a partner, is not an easy thing to do. Like anything else, there are many joys, and there are many difficulties. The checklist below (click on the link) may offer some clarity by helping you begin to ask yourself specific questions about your thoughts and goals for the future of your child.

There are no correct answers to these checklists, they are simply a way for you to answer specific questions and evaluate what they mean to you. Discussing your answers with a support person (i.e. friend, family member, Pregnancy Services Social Worker…etc.) can help aid you in your decision making process. The Pregnancy Services Department at Lutheran Social Services is always available to assist you throughout your decision-making process. Call Toll Free: 1-888-205-3769 or email pregnancy@lssmn.org to learn more.

Pregnancy Services Social Workers can assist you with the following as you consider if parenting is right for you:

• Receive information regarding, and assistance applying/locating, medical care and insurance issues
• Receive information regarding potential financial resources that may be available, including WIC, MFIP, Child Care Assistance & Child Support
• Be Connected with various parenting resources based on your needs and location, including Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) and parenting classes

Decision-Making Checklist: Parenting

Parenting Related Expenses

Raising a child takes a lot of energy and resources, both emotionally and financially. Below is a list of some of the typical expenses parents can expect when raising a child.

Monthly costs to consider:

• Housing
• Utilities
• Diapers
• Formula/Food
• Clothing
• Day care
• Transportation
• Miscellaneous items (i.e. entertainment, car insurance, bus passes, schooling related expenses…etc.)

Pregnancy Services Social Workers can assist you with evaluating/creating a parenting budget. Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota has a program specific to help individuals and families who are experiencing issues with budgetary needs/concerns, debt and bankruptcy. If you are interested, more information regarding LSS Financial Counseling Services can be found here or by calling Toll-Free: 1-888-577-2227.

Nurturing Parents and Children Program

Lutheran Social Service also has a program specific to help parents who would like additional support and education. The Nurturing Parents and Children Program offers parenting groups and classes that provide information, support and resources to help parents build a healthy relationship with their children.

Ongoing classes are held in the Lutheran Social Service Minneapolis Office and are free of charge, thanks to funding support from the United Way and other foundations.

Goals of the Nurturing Parents and Children Program are:

• To help parents develop skills for nurturing themselves and their children
• To strengthen self-esteem and social skills of parents and children
• To provide a supportive environment for parents and their children

The Nurturing Parents and Children program focuses on the following areas:

• Children's ages and developmental stages
• Parent and child communication
• Community resources
• Decision-making
• Discipline and parenting styles
• Goal-setting
• Healthy choices
• Stress management
• Relationships
• School, careers, and work
• Sexuality
• Understanding anger

If you are interested in learning more about this program, please call 612-879-5211.