10 Factors To Determine The Fitness Of A Parent

Deciding you want to start a family is a big decision. It is often well thought out and planned, because it’s a major lifestyle change that can be stressful.

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If you think you’re ready to become a parent, review the 10 common factors that determine the fitness of a parent to see if you will be able to manage the new role successfully.

1. Provide a safe, stable and secure environment for the child
2. Maintain a loving, stable, consistent, nurturing relationship with the child
3. Attend to the daily needs of the child: feeding, clothing, physical care
4. Attend to adequate education for the child
5. Provide for the financial support of the child
6. Ability to identify and prioritize the child’s needs ahead of your own

7. Ability to empathize with and meet the child’s needs
8. Ability to regulate own impulses and emotions
9. Assist the child in developing and maintaining appropriate relationships
10. Exercise appropriate judgment regarding child’s welfare

In the video above, Dr. Phil reviews the parental fitness factors with 18-year-old Tylor who claims she is 7 weeks pregnant, admits she has anger issues and has been in trouble with the law numerous times.