'This is the perfect list of questions to ask yourself before having kids, trust me.'

Thanks to our brand partner, BMW

Having kids is one of life's most incredible — and yes, overwhelming — decisions.

It shifts your priorities, your time, your sleep (what's that again?), your travel plans and even your car. In fact, I often think of my life in two parts: "before kids" and "after kids".

And as a parent who's been through it, I'm here to share what I've learned and help you feel as ready as possible for this wild, wonderful and sometimes downright weird journey.

So, before you dive into the chaos (and the cuddles), take a moment to ask yourself these key questions.

Can you embrace the chaos (and love)?

Are you ready for your life to change in ways you never expected?

Because it will — and it will be amazing.

You'll learn the true meaning of chaos — sleepless nights, never-ending laundry and that never-before-seen pile of half-eaten crackers under the couch.

But here's the thing: right alongside the chaos is a kind of love that makes it all worth it.

Parenthood isn't always picture-perfect, but it's always full of rewards. You'll grow, you'll learn and you'll be amazed by how much joy those little unexpected moments can bring.

Is your car ready for family duty?

Choosing the right car is one of the first big decisions you'll make as a parent.

With car seats, prams, nappy bags and grocery runs, you need a car that can handle the hustle and bustle of family life.

Enter the BMW iX3 and X3. These family-friendly SUVs offer spacious interiors, top-notch safety features and some seriously impressive tech.

The iX3, an all-electric SUV, is perfect for those wanting an eco-friendly option without sacrificing practicality. It's got plenty of room for your baby gear plus it's loaded with advanced safety features like lane assist and collision detection.

And with electric charging, you'll make fewer trips to the petrol station — because let's face it, who has time for that with a newborn?

The X3, available in petrol and plug-in hybrid versions, is equally impressive. Stylish and versatile, it's built for everything from daycare drop-offs to family days out. And with its impressive luggage compartment capacity you can start planning that family road trip.

If you're after something more compact, the BMW X1 and iX1 are for you. Smaller but still packed with innovation, they come with features like Parking Assist to make life easier.

With BMW, owning a car comes with perks too, like a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, access to the Full Circle program for peace of mind about your car's future value and BMW Service Inclusive for hassle-free maintenance (think annual checks and oil changes).

Add 24/7 Roadside Assistance and Accident Management for those unexpected "oops" moments and the My BMW App to keep everything under control — from remote car operations to trip planning and even checking your doors are locked — and you've got the perfect family car with convenience and peace of mind built right in.

If you're ready to take the leap and when you're ready to say yes to a family car that ticks all the boxes, BMW is there to make the decision a whole lot easier.

Are you emotionally prepared to eat cold dinners?

Parenting is full of sacrifices, and sometimes that means eating your meal two hours later at room temperature.

So if you can laugh about it (or at least reheat it in the microwave) you're halfway there.

Do you have a support system?

Parenting isn't a solo gig. You need a strong support system, whether it's family, friends or a group of like-minded parents.

It's not just about having someone to babysit (although that's nice too) — it's about having people who can offer advice, comfort and encouragement when things get tough.

And if you're like me, your support system doesn't just appear magically. Sometimes, you have to put yourself out there and build it yourself too.

Are you ready to negotiate bedtime like a high-stakes situation?

Kids bring a lot of joy, but let's not sugarcoat it: bedtime can be… an experience.

Before you dive into parenthood, ask yourself if you're prepared to stand your ground as a tiny dictator demands "one more story" for the fifteenth time.

(Pro tip: start practising your negotiation skills now.)

Will you make time for yourself?

It's easy to lose yourself in the whirlwind of parenting — especially in those early months when your time isn't your own.

But finding a balance between being a parent and taking care of yourself is crucial.

Whether it's carving out time for a cup of coffee, a weekend away with friends or simply an hour to read a book, it's important to remember that you deserve self-care too.

And it might seem impossible at first, but once you figure out the rhythm of your new life, you'll learn how to find moments of quiet amid the chaos.

How will you keep your relationships strong?

Parenthood will change your relationship with your partner (or co-parent). You'll face challenges and the occasional disagreement on who's doing the midnight nappy change.

But you'll also experience moments of deep connection and shared joy as you raise your family together.

The key is communication — keeping those lines open and making sure you continue to prioritise each other, even when life gets busy.

When it comes to kids, if there's one thing I know, it's that having the right tools — whether it's a supportive partner, a solid plan or a car that makes your life easier — can make all the difference.

Book a test drive for the BMW iX1 or iX3 online or visit your local BMW dealership.

BMW Finance, Australian Credit Licence 392387. Fees, charges, conditions and eligibility criteria apply. Visit bmw.com.au for more information on BMW Full Circle.

Feature Image: Supplied.

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