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Advice on Parenting a
Child
The only things you know about parenting a child you learned by
watching your parents. They did some things well, but you want
to do some things differently. Parenting a child is
overwhelming, frightening. It is unknown territory, wondering
what you can do to be a good parent.
Take care of yourself
Parenting a child is a life-long commitment that will take
every ounce of strength, courage, and compassion you can
muster. You will be tempted at every turn to give of yourself
until you don’t have anything left to give. A week from now
you’ll ache from head to toe, have sore nipples, and be about
40 hours behind on sleep. If you don’t take care of yourself,
you will be so tired you won’t be able to wake up and care for
your child.
Make sure you get enough sleep and exercise, and eat well. For
a while you may have to sleep whenever the baby does, and you
won’t get much done except take care of her. Lower your
standards for housekeeping if you need to, but don’t neglect
yourself. Get a little fresh air every day and take breaks from
the baby. Make time to do what you enjoy doing. Parenting a
child is more like a marathon than a sprint, and you have to
pace yourself.
Learn About Normal Child Development
Knowing what is normal is one of the most helpful tools you can
acquire. There are lots of good books on child development, and
there’s a ton of information on the web. When you know
something is normal, it’s easier to deal with. In the first
place, you know it won’t last forever.
Knowing what’s normal also keeps you from having unrealistic
expectations in parenting a child. It’s not likely that your
one-year old boy will potty-train because he isn’t physically
ready for it. So you don’t expect it from him, and you don’t
get upset when he wets his diaper. And you can tell interfering
relatives and friends that he’s not ready, and when he is,
you’ll potty train him.
Use Your Resources
There are resources available to help you be the best parent
possible. Ask for advice and help. Find out what resources are
available at your church. Don’t be afraid to call your doctor
or health clinic, and do not fear taking your baby in if you
have any questions. Hospitals often have classes for parents,
and there are many community resources. Find resources and use
them and don’t forget to ask questions, collect information,
and ask for help.
Parenting a child is a hard job, you can do it though. Just
love that sweet little baby, take care of yourself, make time
for your marriage, learn everything you can about normal
development and use your resources. Parenting a child is also
the most rewarding and worthwhile thing you will ever do, and
it’s worth doing well.
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