How long does this quiz take?

It takes about 2-3 minutes to complete.

Are my responses private?

Yes, all answers are anonymized and confidential.

Can I take this test more than once?

Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your results may have changed.

Will this quiz tell me if I should have kids?

This quiz is designed to identify the motives behind why you are waiting, not to make the decision for you. It helps clarify your hesitations and priorities.

Can my results help me discuss this with my partner?

Yes, understanding your specific motives can provide a clear framework for discussing your timeline and concerns with a partner.

Discover the specific reasons driving your choice to wait on starting a family with this psychological assessment.

Postponing Parenthood Quiz

Understand your hesitation and readiness for the next chapter.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: February 17, 2026

Reviewed by Jourdan Travers, LCSW

Deciding when—or if—to have children is one of life's most significant choices. Whether driven by financial goals, personal aspirations, or concerns about the world, the reasons for waiting are often complex and valid. This test, inspired by the Multidimensional Scale of Motives for Postponing Parenthood, helps you articulate and understand the specific factors influencing your timeline. For further insight into your current life stage, consider taking our Life Season Test.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: It takes about 2-3 minutes to complete.
Are my responses private?: Yes, all Postponing Parenthood Quiz answers are anonymized and confidential.
Can I take this test more than once?: Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your Postponing Parenthood Quiz results may have changed.
Will this quiz tell me if I should have kids?: This quiz is designed to identify the motives behind why you are waiting, not to make the decision for you. It helps clarify your hesitations and priorities.
Can my results help me discuss this with my partner?: Yes, understanding your specific motives can provide a clear framework for discussing your timeline and concerns with a partner.

Postponing Parenthood Quiz: Take The Test

Step 1: Rate Your Motives for Postponing Parenthood

For each statement, indicate how much you agree on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. Being a parent involves giving up too much of my personal freedom.

2. The threat of global conflict makes me hesitant to bring a child into the world.

3. I worry that having a baby would negatively impact my physical intimacy with my partner.

4. My current bank balance isn't stable enough to support raising a child.

5. I doubt my ability to handle the demands of being a mother or father.

6. The world feels too unpredictable right now for me to start a family.

7. The sheer weight of parental duties feels like something I couldn't manage.

8. Raising a child seems incredibly exhausting and draining.

9. I don't believe I possess the personality traits needed to be a good parent.

10. Environmental concerns and climate change are major reasons I am waiting.

11. My main focus right now is on my own personal growth and improvement.

12. Reaching my own goals is more important to me than starting a family at this time.

13. The expenses associated with raising a kid are simply too high for me.

14. I want to dedicate this time in my life to evolving as a person rather than parenting.

15. A child requires a level of time and dedication I am not ready to give.

16. I am concerned about the physical toll pregnancy takes on the body.

17. I fear that a baby would cause friction or distance in my romantic relationship.

18. I simply do not have the money required to raise a child right now.

19. I lack a sufficient support system of family or friends to help with raising a child.

Step 2: Enter Your Demographics

Provide your age, gender, region, and first name for a detailed report comparing your results to others.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Submit Your Postponing Parenthood Quiz Answers

After completing all questions, click below to send your responses to Mark Travers, Ph.D. All answers are anonymized and confidential.

References

Szcześniak, M., Falewicz, A. & Brodowska, D. (2025). Multidimensional Scale of Motives for Postponing Parenthood (MSMPP-18): Development, factorial structure and psychometric properties. Scientific Reports, 15(1).

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.