Didn't see this in the thread, but I don't think most men think about/ care about children until they have one. At least that was the case for me and many of my friends. So in a sense, it's harder to know when you are "ready" to have kids as a guy.
Only other advice I would have:
1. Be married before you have kids and make sure both of you are on the same page about kids. Makes a big difference (my wife grew up w/ single mom until about 5; much better for her post-mom marriage).
2. Try to avoid having children as a way to save your marriage (see that a couple of times in my life; usually doesn't end well).
Lastly, and this may sound odd, but if you're trying to a comparable situation for kids, think dogs but with a bit more work involved.
Only other advice I would have:
1. Be married before you have kids and make sure both of you are on the same page about kids. Makes a big difference (my wife grew up w/ single mom until about 5; much better for her post-mom marriage).
2. Try to avoid having children as a way to save your marriage (see that a couple of times in my life; usually doesn't end well).
Lastly, and this may sound odd, but if you're trying to a comparable situation for kids, think dogs but with a bit more work involved.