In seven years, I've been asked never times for parenting advice, so I thought I'd go ahead and offer some here. This comes to you at no charge. Unless you feel an overwhelming gratitude for my astute insight by the end, in which case, I take cash. I can feel your anticipation mounting, so I'll get right to it.
Have your baby, and then get some friends. For real. This is the easiest time, besides elementary school, to make friends, and you're going to need them. Take your baby to the nearest library, or church or playground, and find someone who has a kid close to the same age as yours. You have an immediate talking point, and start friend-dating them to see if they are a good fit. Next find a person with a kid slightly older than yours, and friend-date them. Or join a mom's group, that works well too. But get some friends.
Once you have your friends, tell them when you're struggling. Chances are, they are too. It's easy to think you're the only one crying when your baby won't sleep, losing patience and yelling at your toddler, or feeding your kid cereal every meal because you're tired of the battle. We all have our moments, and it's comforting to know we aren't alone and our kids are probably going to be okay.
If your friend isn't screwing up - ditch them. There's probably something wrong with them. Psychopath.
It's so easy to get caught up in insecurities and wondering if we are doing things right. Sometimes we are. And sometimes we aren't. On the bright side, take a look around at all the adults who survived their own parent's mistakes. Our kids have equally good chances of surviving us. If they don't, there's always counseling...
Here is the real litmus test: if you're concerned about how you're doing then you are probably doing great! Now go find some friends!
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