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THE SEVEN STAGES THAT EVERY PARENT WITNESSES

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

Your biological clock ticks away and prompts you to smile at every cute baby face you see. Should you start a family of little ones? This tickles your curiosity as you love to "make" babies.

Phase 2: Heavy with Child

The missed period - am I, aren't I? Soon confirmed by the morning trips to the bathroom to meet with you new acquaintances Ralph and Huey. But it is all worth it when you feel that first flutter - was that a kick? Was that his, you-know, on the ultrasound?

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????

Here she comes. Your baby pushes and pushes making you have the mouth of a sailor. During labor you decide to never make babies ever again. But wait, she has ten fingers, ten toes, and a sweet smile.

Stage 3: Your life has changed forever.

Sleepless nights, sore nipples, dieting to lose all those extra pounds. Meanwhile, the little darling can do no wrong. Look! She smiles! And she has discovered her toes! I wonder if they really taste so good?

The "firsts" for every occassion erupt. She sits, crawls, stands, and walks to you all on her own. She can eat solid food and go to the potty. You are so proud until she throws an ear piercing tantrum. This doesn't deter your enthusiasm about celebrating her "firsts".

The television takes place of fun, stories and games.

Your baby hits the academic world. You know she is ready, but will miss her.

Stage 4: Her social world expands.

She is growing up. She goes to school with other children. She wears a uniform and it seems like she is almost old enough to vote.

Toilet jokes - everything and anything to do with pooping and peepee is absolutely hilarious!

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

How hard it is to let them go - but you can't protect them from everything.

Stage 5: She hits the books.

The subject of play turns to math and english. She is a good student, but some students are not. You are lucky to have a smooth academic experience ahead of you.

She can be tough to deal with, but she is sweet when she asks for a pony for Christmas.

Time too for rules and chores, they're not your little babies anymore!

Phase 6: Almost a teenager

They hit puberty and their body will be changing every day. The girls hang with the girls and the boys hang with the boys. Girls are too silly for boys. Girls think boys are not mature.

Your fashion sense will be out of style no matter what. No one wears the clothes you have in your wardrobe and your daughter will point this out to you. You will wonder what fashion icon your child is emulating.

Language. Well cool.

First bra, first period. Lipstick and makekup. Squeeky voice that breaks. Anti-perspirant.

Phase 7: They hit the social scene.

Suddenly boys and girls are not so alien after all. Does (s)he fancy me?

Your daughter has become the authority on everything. You have somehow become the student.

Parents are not cool while friends are the top of their social list. Your daughter wants to stay out late with friends. Can't you just be a cool mom and let her stay out until 3am?

On special occassions your teenager will open up to you. Just listen, don't preach.

Then, one day, the fireworks settle. The grunts turn into English again and like a phoenix from the ashes, and new (adult) human emerges - full of ideals and dreams and visions, but perhaps a bit short on confidence and wisdom.

Phase 8: (So I'm not a mathematician.)

So they've left home - but they are still your little darlings. Your worries and hopes for them continue.

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

Life is short. Enjoy moments with your children whenever you can.

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

Dr. Noel Swanson runs a fascinating free newsletter on children's behavior, so if you could do with some tips for dealing with your children it might be worth a visit. Also visit here for more parenting articles.
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