THE SEVEN AGES OF PARENTHOOD

Stage 1: The Desire and the Longing

Becoming a mother is a natural instinct in every woman. Of course, one doesn’t know when the biological clock starts ticking, urging you to have babies of your own, instead of fondling and cuddling other people’s babies who look so cute. That’s when you take the inevitable decision in spite of the tiresome chore called "making babies".

Stage 2: Conception and Birth

As a woman you know when you have conceived for sure. And, it’s soon confirmed by morning sickness, moodiness and many times with biological changes you never believed could ever happen to you. But, it is all worth it when you feel that first flutter inside your belly. The thought of a life growing within you is awesome.

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????

Then, you feel the time has come. You reach the hospital puffing and panting, totally oblivious of what lies in store. It seemed it will never be over, yet when it is, it appeared to be over in a jiffy. The excitement of a baby makes you forget the pain as though it never happened at all.

Stage 3: The Novelty of Everything

You go through an entirely new experience when you bring the baby home. The first few days/weeks are marked by sleepless nights, sore nipples, running around to get things done and dieting to lose all those extra pounds.

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.

Unfortunately, the nursery rhymes and nursery stories that our mothers shared with us are now delegated to the TV, and that special bedtime bonding has become a thing of the past.

First kindergarten or school: a mixed blessing. Where did my baby go?

Stage 4: Friends and Peers

Then your cuddly baby gets busy with friends in the school. What the teacher and friends say is gospel truth.

This is also the time when they enjoy cracking jokes with each other.

Their first best friend, and first rejection. Scraped knees in the playground. And, of course, their first "it's not fair!"

You learn to let them go even though it is difficult - but you can't protect them from everything.

Stage 5 – Serious Schooling

Then comes the stage of serious schooling. Your child has to learn the basic skills of reading, writing and arithmetic. This may be fun and games for her or as difficult as scaling mountains. Whatever it is, you have to be patient and helpful, encouraging her at every little achievement. These are natural differences and should not worry you unnecessarily.

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!)

This is the time to teach discipline to your child because he is no longer a little baby.

Stage 6 – On the Eve of Adolescence

Now, the difference between girls and boys becomes apparent. They all go through the phase of discovering changes in their body yet girls will be giggly and boys more cool.

Clothes. You are just SO out of date mom! No one wears that anymore! And why should it matter if my pants are hanging down by my knees? Mom, these clothes are too small!

It’s time for you to match your language with theirs but don’t go overboard. You may pick up the ‘cool’ expressions but check her when she uses the not-allowed words.

Help her through her first bra, her first period, her lipstick and makeup, her awkwardness and so on.

Stage 7 – Dates and Parties

The seventh stage is when the boys and girls are not so alien after all. They are drawn to each other.

Suddenly too, your precious child, whom you taught everything, knows more than you. In fact, you apparently, know nothing, and they knows everything!

This is the stage of late nights and parties, and arguments at home. Your child wants freedom from rules and restrictions. This is also the stage of new trends in fashion and music. Parents belong to a different era. They don’t understand.

But, every now and then, you can have an amazing conversation with your new young adult - as long as you aren't trying to lecture them.

You will be surprised how soon this phase is left behind. A couple of experiences help her see substance in what you have been telling her all along. She emerges a wonderful human being full of lofty ideas and beautiful dreams, but perhaps not so confident and wise.

Epilogue: Go, Went, Gone

One day, they will leave home! You need to prepare yourself for that day more than them. However, you love them just as much and you miss them.

"I'll love you, forever. I'll like you, for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be" - Robert Munsch

The years will pass so quickly. Make the most of every one of them along the way.

Article Source: http://www.a1-articledirectory.com

Dr. Noel Swanson has a free newsletter on children's behavior problems and also frequently writes for Yes Parenting website.
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