Traditionally, women have a plan for children, but men don’t always know when they want to start raising a family. However, there are a few signs you can look for in men that could mean they’re preparing to warm up to the idea of fatherhood.

1. They’re in a Stable Relationship
The first step is being with someone they can see themselves having children with. Responsible men that would someday like to raise a family like to make sure their relationship with their significant other is stable before adding kids to the mix.

2. They Have Priorities
If your partner wanders aimlessly through life with no discernable goals, they’re probably not ready for children. If he has his priorities in line and has a plan for the future, then he may be heading down the path of fatherhood. Men like to have their ducks in a row before thinking about raising a family and if your partner has that step completed, children may not be far off.

3. They Begin to Like Children
While not all women love children, a significantly larger portion of women compared to men like kids in general. When your partner begins to enjoy being around children for long periods of time, you will know that he can handle being around his own children in the future.

4. Financial Plans Include Children
Similar to having their priorities in line, having financial goals that include budgeting for possible children is a big indicator that your partner is ready for kids.

5. Planning Life with Family in Mind
This could mean a wide variety of things. Maybe it means that your partner bought that Volvo instead of a sports car, or it could mean that he suggested a roomy house with property instead of that condo in the city. It might even he his willingness to bargain shop and eat at reasonably priced restaurants even though you have the money to eat more expensively and buy nice things. These small tips might hint at a willingness to settle down and could show a desire to support a family.

6. A Desire to Continue Family Traditions
Maybe your partner has been ruminating more often about the things he used to do as a kid and how much fun they were. It could be things like Christmas at his grandparents or family camping trips. While these might just be fond stories he likes to remember, it could also indicate a wish to pass on these traditions and make them come alive for a new generation.


Source: Glass, W. (n.d.). Signs you're ready to be a father. AskMen.