- Co-sleeping vs sleeping alone
- Who invented the pacifier and why?
- What is the best song to sing to your baby?
If you know the answers to the above, then we cannot be friends. Most of us are in the same boat. We sail on, go through the storms, enjoy the calmer days and as we reach our destination, the season changes once again.
Before a baby is born you should know:
- Their name, how to breastfeed, and how to sleep train
At the same time, you should:
- Remain calm
- Have energy
- Always cope
- Sacrifice everything
LIES all LIES (MYTHS)
And on my first note…
Number 1: Parents should never tell white lies?
“Mommy, can I please have this for Christmas, does Santa and the elves make the toys?”
“Yes, Leyton.”
We need to choose our battles. Did I lie? Yes. Do many of us do this? I would assume so, please tell me I’m not the only one?
Number 2: You should stimulate your children and have a very involved routine.
I have learned that there were times when my child needed to be bored. No TV, no Mommy entertaining him. Why? Because by doing so kids will further develop their imagination and creativity. So, at times, let your child just be bored.
Number 3: You will always be happy.
Really? The Brady Bunch is fictional.
We will laugh, but also cry–a whirlwind of emotions. And you know what, that is okay.
Overall we can be far too hard on ourselves. Whether you are a working mom or a stay-at-home mom, we are moms and that is the most stressful job in the world.
You are the nurse, the teacher, the engineer, the psychologist. You are their mom and no matter what, it is a 24/7 job. So if you ever feel conflicted, realize that it is acceptable, but remember to speak with others too, a listening ear at times, is all we need.
Number 4: Keeping up with the Joneses or rather the Stepford wives
Two words, STOP IT!
Before I had my own, I honestly thought I knew a lot. I have an inclusive Honours degree in BEd Psych and a teaching degree. I must know something when it comes to raising kids. I was wrong!
I still remember “advising” my sister-in-law on strategies regarding her son (I did not have children then). I thought I was so helpful, meanwhile, she possibly wanted to inflict pain on me and thought, “You just wait your turn.”
And then I had a child. Everything I said I would never do, I DID (co-sleeping, pacifiers– everything!)
So let’s not judge and when people who don’t have kids lecture you – laugh.
Number 5: Eventually you will know all there is to know.
We are very complicated individuals, there is no manual and there never will be.
In essence, we are all winging it and doing it the best way we know how.
