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The Seven Ages Of Parenting |
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Written by Dr Noel Swanson
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Phase 1: The thought that gives you goosebumps.
Your biological clock ticks away and prompts you to smile at
every cute baby face you see. Should you start a family of
little ones? This tickles your curiosity as you love to "make"
babies.
Phase 2: Pregnant or not?
You check your calendar to see that your period is late. Oh my.
This really could be happening. Your heart beats faster at the
thought of having a baby on the way. Your bladder pushes you to
go to the bathroom as you feel a kick in your stomach.
A few months later and you know all about those kicks - and the
elbows. Plus backache, piles, swollen ankles, varicose veins -
who was responsible for getting you into this state????
Here she comes. Your baby pushes and pushes making you have the
mouth of a sailor. During labor you decide to never make babies
ever again. But wait, she has ten fingers, ten toes, and a sweet
smile.
Phase 3: Your life has changed forever.
Sleepless nights, sore nipples, dieting to lose all those extra
pounds. Meanwhile, the little darling can do no wrong. Look! She
smiles! And she has discovered her toes! I wonder if they really
taste so good?
First time: sitting, crawling, standing, walking. First word,
First solid food. First potty. First full blown,
lie-on-the-floor-and-kick-the-feet tantrum. Each a major
achievement to celebrate.
Nursery rhymes and pat-a-cake - crucial for child development
but, all too often these days, delegated to the TV.
Your baby hits the academic world. You know she is ready, but
will miss her.
Phase 4: Playing outside and with friends
She is growing up. She goes to school with other children. She
wears a uniform and it seems like she is almost old enough to
vote.
The bathroom humor surfaces. Who knew relieving one's self could
be so funny.
Common "firsts" evolve to the first best friend and the first
time facing rejection. She loves to run around the playground
and ends up with bumps and scrapes. She realizes that life is
not always fair.
You want them to be independent, but it is hard. Why can't you
have the ability to protect them from the world?
Phase 5: She hits the books.
Play times fall by the wayside when they have to learn the
alphabet and addition. It may be easier for your child or it may
feel like the teacher is speaking Chinese. If your child
succeeds easily you have a fairly smooth ride ahead of you. If
your child has trouble then you will have many potholes on the
road called "school".
Even so, there are always the little events to remember - All
she wants for Christmas is her two front teeth (along with
Barbie and a puppy dog!)
Remember they are not babies. They need to follow rules and do
their chores.
Phase 6: She hits middle school.
Girls will be girls and boys will be boys - and never the two
shall mix. Well, why would they? The girls are all into pink and
giggle too much - and the boys are just too cool for such
silliness.
Your fashion sense will be out of style no matter what. No one
wears the clothes you have in your wardrobe and your daughter
will point this out to you. You will wonder what fashion icon
your child is emulating.
Lingo changes from what you said when you were her age.
First bra, first period. Lipstick and make-up. Squeaky voice
that breaks. Antiperspirant.
Phase 7: They hit the social scene.
Suddenly boys and girls are not so alien after all. Does (s)he
fancy me?
Your daughter gives you her advice and opinions whether you ask
for them or not.
Parents are not cool while friends are the top of their social
list. Your daughter wants to stay out late with friends. Can't
you just be a cool mom and let her stay out until 3am?
Special moments arise when you can have a great discussion with
your young adult child. Just make sure you listen and don't
sound like a teacher.
Your daughter has become an adult with goals, aspirations, and
endless energy.
Phase 8: (well, who said I could count?)
So they've left home - but they are still your little darlings.
Your worries and hopes for them continue.
You will always have a place in your heart for your children no
matter what they do.
Time flies. Take a moment to enjoy the specialness of each and
every day with your children.
About the Author:
Check out Dr Noel Swanson's web site for more parenting advice:
Good Child Guide
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