It’s okay to want to be parents, but not feel ready.

# Context: I am a 23 year-old kid doing double degrees, with a challenging work schedule, with a gfs considering moving to a different country, with a severe case of OCD and major depressive disorder.<br><br># My cousin recently did a mental breakdown after having a child, and it really shook me up personally. I have always wanted to be a parent. I had my nursery setup in my mind, I know how I’d want my child to be raised, I know the name of the child, I have it all nailed down. But with this recent event, I’m really starting to wonder, am I ready to be a parent? I’m not sure, I don’t think I am either. <br><br>My GF is from a different country, she’s living currently in Europe, but wants to move back in the next 3-4 years. I am however concerned that she wants kids before her 30th birthday, which is in 6 years. I’ve made it clear that I’m substantially more uncomfortable to be a young parent than a slightly older one. I’d like to be in my mid 30s, when I’d have more life experience, more knowledge of how to live a healthy life and my career settled enough to provide for my family. But I’m not sure if she will understand me on this. I want my child to have a happy parent, not one that’s constantly stressed and overwhelmed by this overwhelming new responsibility, and at the same time, I want to feel accomplished with my long-term goals, especially finishing my degrees.<br><br>But her parents are already pushing this pressure to have kids, and I think she’s ready for it. I don’t know what to do.<br><br>I know many people don’t want to be parents, but I do! But I want to do it right. I want to be a parent when I’m ready, not when I’m struggling to have enough. I want to be a good parent, and I want to raise kids who are happy and healthy. I want to be there for my child, and I want to be able to provide for them. And I want to do it when I’m ready.<br><br>What do you think?