Parenting Tip #3

Parenting Tip #3 First Time Parents

Now for my third and final article in this little series I want to talk to first time parents.

This may read more as an open letter to my daughter because as I write this I get to announce…I’m a Grandma!

So much to say, where to start…

As I sit at my desk, pen in hand, I look to the little 4×6 photo of my new granddaughter for inspiration.

So here goes…

First off you two will be great parents.  There is no such thing as perfect parents.  We all make mistakes and hopefully learn and move forward.  So get the thought of having to do everything perfect out of your head.

The first days home with a newborn are long and tiring.  You may not sleep, eat or shower all day.  You may get cranky from lack of each.  And you know what…it’s all normal and ok.

Your only job at this point is to look after your little one.  Everything else comes second.  As soon as baby goes down for a nap, grab something quick to eat, and go lay down to sleep as well.

I remember grabbing a spoonful of peanut butter and standing at the counter to eat it, and then flopping down on the bed to catch whatever sleep I could.  I also remember the first time I woke up from a nap and realized I had slept a whole two hours in a row!  Wow…I never thought that would happen again! Lol

I still remember that like it was yesterday and it was over thirty years ago!

Teachable Moments To Come

Don’t sweat the small things in life.  I wish I could have been able to handle small stuff, but now realize I had anxiety issues I didn’t know how to deal with.

Teach her boundaries at a young age.  How to treat people and how others should treat her.

Teach her manners, empathy and caring for others.

Teach her to give to charity, and to appreciate what she has.

And as she gets older make sure she knows she can come to you with any problem and you will figure it out together.

Listen to her, hear her, and respect what she wants to do in life.  She will fall down, get back up and know that you are there without judging her. 

Support whatever she wants to do.

And teach her to aim for the stars.  She can do whatever she puts her mind to.  She comes from sturdy, stubborn stock so be prepared for a stubborn streak….lol

And the best way to teach her is to lead by example.

Teach her to be an amazing person by showing her how amazing you are!

In the meantime…hug her, love her, and tell her Grandma loves her!

Now go get some sleep!

Life Experience Wisdom

* New parent motto….One day at a time!

* Lead by example.

* Teach kids life lessons.

* Let kids live their own lives.

* Be supportive.

Although this is aimed at my own daughter, I hope it inspires others.

Thanks for visiting, cheers til next time!

Grace

My Motto

When life throws baseball size lemons at you, that smack you upside the head, stomp on those damn things and make yourself a cocktail!