Advertisement

AGONY ADVICE: Should I have a baby on my own?

A woman deep in thought.
A woman deep in thought.

COLUMNIST and trained counsellor Fiona Caine answers another set of reader dilemmas.

I WANT A BABY BUT DON’T WANT A PARTNER

I am 33 next year and really want a baby. I am not in a relationship, and can’t see one on the horizon, as I value my personal time and space. In fact, the only way I can see myself doing this is to find a man and get pregnant without telling him.

READ MORE: Agony advice - your relationship dilemmas answered 

Money isn’t a problem for me, and I own my own house and have a good job.

I have much to be thankful for in my life. I’m financially secure and in good health, but I know I can’t be happy until I have my own child. I’ve read about women who have done this and I’m sure I can too. All I really need to know is how to find a man.

FIONA SAYS: PLEASE THINK CAREFULLY

I would not give you guidance on how to use a man this way, as it’s fundamentally unfair and risky. I am also concerned that you seem to be investing all your personal fulfilment in a baby, placing a burden on that child before it’s even born.

Furthermore, I receive many letters from single mums about how hard it is to raise a child alone, and it’s not just a financial issue, although money obviously helps. There are huge emotional and physical responsibilities as well. Also, the need to be constantly aware of the needs of someone else will almost certainly impact the personal freedom you value so highly.

If you are determined to go ahead though, please consider sperm donation through a reputable donor agency. You could also consider fostering or adoption; there are many children in desperate need of a stable placement.

Daily Echo:
Daily Echo:

SHOULD I GO ON A HOLIDAY I CAN’T REALLY AFFORD?

I have very little money to spare, but some friends have asked me to join them on a last-minute holiday abroad. I would really like to go but it would take up all my savings. I just can’t decide if I need to keep my money, or spend it on enjoying something I haven’t had a chance to do for a long time.

Some of my friends say I should go for it, and others say I ought to keep my money for an emergency. Can you help me decide?

FIONA SAYS: WHAT DO YOU THINK IS BEST?

I can’t decide for you, and neither can anyone else, including your friends. So take a step back and listen to yourself. You are obviously a cautious person, otherwise you wouldn’t be so undecided. This indicates that perhaps you’re more comfortable keeping a financial security cushion in place. However, only you can know how big you need that cushion to be right now.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have a holiday at all. You could talk to your bank about your needs and perhaps set up a savings scheme - it’s a compromise that may suit you. You could consider taking out a loan for this holiday, with the knowledge that you’ll plan to pay it back within a fixed period. With financial plans in place, you might feel more confident about spending a little every now and then.

Email help@askfiona.net for advice.