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THE SEVEN AGES OF PARENTHOOD

By: Dr. Noel Swanson Phase 1: The Twinkle in Your Eye.

"Shall we start a family, darling?" The biological clock ticks, the maternal instinct weighs heavy. Seeing babies everywhere prompts a sigh, "isn't she so cute?". All helped of course by the tiresome chore called "making babies".

Act 2: The Conception

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.

Nonetheless, the discomfort goes on increasing in proportion with the physical weight, the swollen ankles and many other discomforts.

Then comes the D-Day! You had been preparing for it for nine months yet the severity of it hits you unawares. You flinch, twitch and scream your guts out. You swear you will never let this happen to you again. Suddenly, it’s over and an entirely new feeling envelopes you. You are on top of the world! A complete being has come through you!

Phase 3: A first time for 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?

Act 4: Play, School and Parties

How fast they change from being cuddly babies to young, independent, school kids. In some English private schools they even wear a uniform with cap and tie (for the boys)!

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

However, you do care about her best friend, and you are there for her at the time of the first rejection. Just as you were there for her when she came home with scraped knees in the playground and complained that ‘so-and-so was not fair!’

For a parent, it is a test of nerves to let them go, but you have to do that anyway. So, the sooner the better.

Stage 5 – Serious Schooling

Time to put the play aside for a moment. There's letters and sums to learn. For some, it is just a walk in the park, for others it is climbing Everest. It is at this time that the differences between children become apparent. Those with easy kids can't see what all the fuss is about, yet for others it is the beginnings of years of stress, worry, tears and heartache.

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!)

Also, don’t forget to discipline your child; she is no longer a baby.

Phase 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.

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!

Language. Well cool.

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

Phase 7 - "Kevin goes Large"

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.

The good thing is that now your child is a new young adult and you can have a refreshing conversation with her. Make sure you don’t sermonize.

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.

Phase 8 (well, who said I could count?)

All these years of parenthood had become a habit. You went through each phase happily and not-so-happily, but your life revolved around them. Then, one day, they’re gone! But, you still worry and hope for 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.lifeweightloss.com

For more expert tips on child behavior problems and for his excellent book, why not visit Dr. Noel Swanson's website? You can also find many more of Dr. Noel Swanson free articles on parenting here.
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