Whether we ask for it or not, our friends, family, and even strangers are quick to offer parenting advice. Don’t get me wrong, I welcome it most of the time. However, there are times when I want to punch that person in the face! Ironically, it is usually the older (uh hem, MUCH older) generations that do more harm than help - for me anyway. It’s like they are so far removed from that stage of life, their memories are diluted with rainbows, butterflies and babies that never, ever cried. For instance, my grandma – bless her heart – is always offering me “suggestions.” “Why is she crying? She must be hungry. When was the last time you fed her? She probably has gas, did you burp her? Give her some Milacon. Maybe she’s too hot. Maybe she’s too cold.” And I swear she said all that in one breath. Finally I just said, “Maybe she’s just a baby and babies cry sometimes!”
Anyway, parenting advice can be helpful – but we do need to take it with a grain of salt.
I think the best parenting advice I got is:
IT GETS BETTER and YOU DO FORGET.
Gianna usually goes to sleep right after her last feeding (around 7pm). Last night, she proceeded to scream until 9:30pm. She was fed. She was changed. She was bathed. Her gums were lathered in Orajel. I was at a loss! This is about the point when I start to cry. Thad said, “What if you just let her cry?” I said, “I would be the worst mom ever.” Cool as a cucumber he added, “Sarah, do you remember when Ben used to do this?” I said, “Yea.” He told me to name a specific time. “That one Christmas at your parents’ house.” I retorted. He said, “Okay, how about another time?” He asked. I thought for a moment. The truth was, I couldn’t remember another time! I remember he used to cry it out often, but it is a foggy memory at best.
So, whenever I’m on the brink of tears I just have to remember – this doesn’t last forever, it gets better, and I probably won’t remember this moment that made me want to Google orphanages. Haha!
What is the best
parenting advice you’ve ever received?
The best advide i've gotten so far (I've only been a parent for 11 weeks) comes in the form of a poem;
ReplyDelete"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait 'til tomorrow, for babies grow up we've learned to our sorrow. So quiet down cobwebs and dust go to sleep, I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep" - Author Unknown
I didn't think a dirty house would bother me as much as it does. With 2 dogs, a cat, 2 ferrets and Max, things get dirty fast and pile up quickly. Each day I try to take a moment and block out all the cleaning that need to get done, and piles that need to get organized, and just play with Max, purley play.
I hear ya on this one! I feel I live in a state of perpetual messiness! But you are so right - I actually stop and tell myself, "Ben is more important than the dishes" or "Gigi means more to me than getting all the toys put away."
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!!