Benson Maina – Planning for our baby

What is the number one plan for your firstborn?

Time. I want the baby to get the best attention from my wife and I. Other than that, our finances need to be in order. The hospital bills, food, diapers, clothing and education costs soon thereafter need to be met without a hitch

So what are your financial plans?

Like any serious prospective parent. I am saving up and investing in money building ventures. I have just taken up insurance with an education policy and I’m faithfully contributing towards my family’s medical cover that shall encompass the baby when he/she arrives.
My bank’s savings are also slowly but steadily accumulating by the month.

What do you see of your baby’s future?

I see our baby cushioned with excellent care resulting in good morals. I also see our kid having a high level of performance than the average child, stemming from the undivided attention we intend to give him. I know that a person is made up of two things, the genotype (the genes) and the phenotype (the environment). It is my prayer that we avail the best gene combination. As for the environment, there are no two ways about it. He will get the best.

What do you expect of your wife when she finally gets expectant?

I expect her to be more relaxed mentally and emotionally, because I will be there for her. I expect her to take the right diet, put on proper clothing, attend clinic as required, and do some exercises with light chores, to keep away complications during or after delivery.

Boy or girl for the first?

We don’t have gender preference because that is God’s special work, and we are not ready to assist Him. So whichever kid we get, we shall be happy. Boy or girl—they will get the same treatment.

How much time do you plan to spend with your children?

I know it has become difficult for parents to spend quality time with the kids due to the demands of duty. However that doesn’t mean we won’t keep track of our kids. Ninety per cent of the time we will not be at work shall be for our kids. My wife and I shall play with them, making sure they do their homework, read them the Bible and pray together. Sunday is for church and nature-walks. Afterward, swimming, and the like. We look forward to having a transparent relationship—with our children all to make them responsible and tactful at life’s challenges.

Do you have any fears?

Fear is for those people who have low self esteem. I am generally very optimistic and ambitious. So is my wife, who has already had her fair taste of challenges. And since I am the head of my house, I am doing whatever it takes to have my family count on me. A family is a blessing so why fear? But should that happen. I know whom to turn to: God.

How many do you eventually want to get?

Kids, as I said earlier, are a gift from God. So He knows how many we deserve.

Are you now planning for a baby because you heard the biological clock ticking?

No; men don’t have a biological clock. My wife and I are still quite young. So I don’t think her biological clock has begun ticking yet. We are planning for the baby without pressure.

END: PG 29/8-9