Phase 1: The Twinkle in Your Eye. The first stage of parenthood begins when the desire for having a baby is born in the heart of one or both the parents. In most cases, it is the woman whose maternal instinct begins to assert itself. Women don’t feel complete until they become mothers. So, when the biological clock starts ticking, you decide to take the step of ‘making babies.’ Stage 2: Conception and Birth You know you have conceived when the familiar signs begin to show that include missing the period followed by morning sickness. You wonder how you will go through it, but when you feel the living presence inside, you know it is all worth it. The slight flutter turns into a kick, and you love it. 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???? Wow - was that you swearing like a trouper? Puff puff, pant pant, "you *****ing *****, I'm never **** going to **** with you again! Oh, Oh, Oh, Ah... isn't she sweet? let's see. ten fingers, ten toes, Oh she's just perfect, isn't she, darling?" Phase 3: A first time for everything The first few days are frenzy. You lose count of time in the midst of sleepless nights, sore nipples, and dieting to lose all that extra weight. But that angelic smile from your baby makes it worth it. You discover her afresh every day. She is more interesting than anything you have experienced so far. Each little step in the growth of your child is more exciting than anything you have ever known before, whether it is the first time she discovered her toe or the first time she sat for a few seconds. Then crawling, standing, walking, articulating something that resembled a word – everything is so exciting. You write it down in the baby book with pictures and all. You feel a sense of achievement that calls for a celebration. Then you begin to sing nursery rhymes and tell bedtime stories First kindergarten or school: a mixed blessing. Where did my baby go? Act 4: Play, School and Parties The tiny cuddly baby of yours is now ready to go school independently. Now she has another world of friends, peers and teachers. You sometimes regret you have been left out of it. But, you rejoice the fact that your little helpless baby is growing into a confident young lady. This is also the time when they enjoy cracking jokes with each other. You see them find their first best friend, and you are there for them when the first rejection happens. You encourage them to play in spite of the scraped knees and you listen to their unfair complaints of the other not being fair. You learn to let them go even though it is difficult - but you can't protect them from everything. Act 5: The Three R’s The next stage is marked by learning the skills to read and write and to add up numbers. Some kids sail through it easily, while others have to struggle hard to learn. You begin to notice individual differences among kids. For some parents this stage is long and arduous while others find it exciting and enjoyable. But, there are some things that become lifelong memories for all parents because each child is unique. Yet, each child is like all others when it comes to certain things like losing teeth or wanting Christmas presents for instance. This is the time to teach discipline to your child because he is no longer a little baby. Act 6 - Pre-teens and Puberty Boys and girls require different treatment when they are about to enter puberty. They are different in so many ways. Girls appear to be frivolous and boys pretend to be very smart, but both need special care to cross over the various changes happening in their bodies. However, don’t dictate your preferences in clothes to them. They think you are out of date and they know what’s in fashion. language is cool too. You help your little girl try on her first bra, and handle her first period. You allow her to choose her lipstick and do her make up. You help your son go through the stage of awkward limbs and a squeaky voice that breaks. You help him choose the anti-perspirant and shaving kit. Stage 7 – Dates and Parties Suddenly boys and girls are not so alien after all. Does (s)he fancy me? Before you know where the time went you will see your little girl telling you that you know nothing. Indeed, you seem to live in a different world in an era long past. 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. Yet, if you are accommodating, you can have an amazing conversation with your new young adult. It is very essential if you want to make sure they don’t go overboard in following their peers. But, be careful; don’t even try to lecture them or you will lose their attention. Then, as suddenly as it had come, the period of turbulent adolescence is over. There is calm after the storm. You meet your young adult, a complete human being full of dreams and ideals but a bit short on confidence and wisdom. Phase 8 (well, who said I could count?) 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. You repeat the words Robert Munsch said, "I'll love you, forever. I'll like you, for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be." The moral of the story is that make the most of the years of parenthood; they will pass too quickly.
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Phase 1: The Twinkle in Your Eye.
Dr. Noel Swanson writes frequently for Yes Parenting website and also has a free newsletter with heaps of expert parenting advice. Feel free to grab a unique version of this article from the Unique Articles Submission Service
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