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The Seven Ages Of Parenting |
By:
Dr. Noel Swanson |
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The Seven Ages Of Parenting
Dr. Noel Swanson
Phase 1: The Twinkle in Your Eye.
Your biological alarm goes off. Every baby is unbelievably cute. Am I ready for kids? They are pretty darn cute. Why not? Plus, making babies is quite fun!
Phase 2: Heavy with Child
You check your calendar to see that your period is late. Oh my. This really could be happening. Your heart beats faster at the thought of having a baby on the way. Your bladder pushes you to go to the bathroom as you feel a kick in your stomach.
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????
Baby arrives with loud fan fare. You swear at your husband and swear you can't take the pain of giving birth ever again. You spot her cute grin and your heart melts.
Phase 3: Creating a "first" for every occasion.
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.
First kindergarten or school: a mixed blessing. Where did my baby go?
Phase 4: Playing outside and with friends
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.
The bathroom humor surfaces. Who knew relieving one's self could be so funny.
Common "firsts" evolve to the first best friend and the first time facing rejection. She loves to run around the playground and ends up with bumps and scrapes. She realizes that life is not always fair.
You want them to be independent, but it is hard. Why can't you have the ability to protect them from the world?
Phase 5 - Reading, 'Riting and 'Rithmatic
Play times fall by the wayside when they have to learn the alphabet and addition. It may be easier for your child or it may feel like the teacher is speaking Chinese. If your child succeeds easily you have a fairly smooth ride ahead of you. If your child has trouble then you will have many potholes on the road called "school".
Despite the tense moments, you will always have the cute moments such as when she spies Santa or wants a frilly doll for her birthday.
Remember they are not babies. They need to follow rules and do their chores.
Stage 6: She hits middle school.
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.
Lingo changes from what you said when you were her age.
First bra, first period. Lipstick and make-up. Squeaky voice that breaks. Antiperspirant.
Stage 7: The opposite sex suddenly looks attractive.
Boys and girls discover the attraction to each other. They wonder if anyone has a crush on them.
Suddenly too, your precious child, whom you taught everything, knows more than you. In fact, you apparently, know nothing, and they knows everything!
Parents are out, friends are everything. So is music and fashion. And late nights. "Aw mum, why do I have to be back so early - everyone else is staying until 3 am!" Oh yeah? Are they really?
Special moments arise when you can have a great discussion with your young adult child. Just make sure you listen and don't sound like a teacher.
Your daughter becomes an adult. She is back to talking with you and tells you about her life dreams. She is ready to tackle the world.
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.
You will always have a place in your heart for your children no matter what they do.
Life is short. Enjoy moments with your children whenever you can.
Dr. Noel Swanson has years of experience in helping parents with child behavior problems. To read more of his expert http://www.good-child-guide.com/expert-parenting-tips) parenting advice visit his website and check out his GOOD CHILD Guide manual, jammed full of practical http://www.good-child-guide.com/ parenting advice.
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Article Source: http://www.statssheet.com/articles/article69918.html |
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