It’s Christmas Eve! What Are We...
ChatterBank1 min ago
What advice would you give me and my hubbie before we embark on the next phase of our lives - having kids...? Any ideas from parents would be much appreciated...
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For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.Best piece of advice "Don't panic captain Mannering". Watch the hilarious Steve Martin movie "Parenthood" and at the end of it, the couple just love all the ups and downs of family life.
All of the above, from andyhughes, of course. Enjoy it while you can; you will honestly look back on the early years with a blur! Keep a little journal, just for yourself, all the good bits, bad bits, funny bits recorded.
They can never have too much love and kisses; stick to your guns - mum does know best. Don't listen to the mums harping on about their perfect kids - just smile sweetly and walk away.
Take lots of pics - Mr cre, please take photies of newborn in hospital but cre will not be chuffed if you snap her too.
Don't waste money on designer baby clothes PLEASE.
Kids do pick up on their parents from an extremely early age. Be calm and chilled from now - you are probably more likely to conceive and later on, baby is more likely to sleep through the night and be a laid back baby.
Ask for an epidural. Don't try and be brave. No one will be interested that you tried to avoid painkillers. You will need to keep your stregnth up for when the baby comes.
You're going to be a fab mum - have fun!
Get your head round having a child, not having a baby - the baby bit doesn't last long!
Be positive - many children spend their lives hearing don't, stop, leave, etc, while 80% of such interactions should be positive. eg "you are a good girl sitting quietly with your doll while I pack away the shopping" not just praise for the big things.
Include them in daily life, right from the start, don't let it develop into a adult/child split. Show them respect, then they'll show you the same.
Oh, and every phase only lasts six weeks!
You will be amazed at how much you suddenly realise that nothing else will ever be as meaningful as your child. Everything else pales into comparison, things you once deemed necessary, crucial or imperative will suddenly seem trivial.
Your child will literally become the embodiment of all you hold dear and precious and their welfare will always be your utmost concern.
It's also an old cliche that 'they grow up fast' but they really do! Spend every possible moment with them. Grab a nap when you can(you can cope with anything as long as you are getting sleep) but don't let them share your bed, despite all motherly instincts!
Be prepared for the most demanding yet rewarding journey of your life. Best of luck.