Evaluate how ready John and Laurel are to have a child. Note the advantages and disadvantages of choosing to wait. John is thirty-four and Laurel is thirty-five. They have been married for seven years. Laurel works full time and has good employee benefits. John recently went back to school to get a credential to teach high school physical education. As he neared graduation, he was hired to work part time at a school in a difficult neighborhood. He will begin in two months. He and Laurel can pay student loans and other bills but do not have a lot of money left over.

John had a happy childhood and looks forward to fatherhood. Laurel wants to have children but is concerned that, due to lack of positive role models, she needs guidance. Affection does not come as easily to her.