Journal - Words of Wisdom
Good Advice
I asked everyone to write down some advice for successful parenting.
Here is what they had to say:
"Be there, be interested, be involved."
"Be prepared to overcome your fear that your baby does not have
colic even though he cries a lot. It's perfectly normal after the third
month. You will see a big change in the little fella. Then, at 6 months
he will have changed a lot more. The next big step is at 3 years, then
6, then 13. Good luck honey."
"Food tastes the same to them as it does to you, so if you can't
stand it, trash it. And try using a food grinder - just put your meal
in it, and you both can enjoy many meals! 'Down with baby food jars!'"
"Andrea: When you go into labor make sure you eat before you go
into the hospital because you'll need all the energy you can get cuz
the doctors and nurses won't let you eat anything once you grt there.
Good Luck!"
"Just love him and let him love you. PS. Let him eat as much of
anything he wants (and don't keep candy in the house!)"
"I am not a mother yet so I will draw from the experiences of
my childhood. Encourage him to tell you his troubles, his problems.
So you can be his 'best friend' as well as mom. I think this is why
I'm so close to my mother. I know you will do a wonderful job. :-)"
"Be someone he can talk to. Don't spoil him. Make him help out
around the house in an age-appropriate manner. Resist giving him everything
he wants when you go into a store. (that's my job)
Teach him to be quiet and mannerly at restaurants, in stores, etc.
He might say 'I hate you' when you make him do things he doesn't want
to do, or when you don't want him to do something, but that won't last.
He'll appreciate your efforts even before he becomes an adult.
If you teach him that he needs to work for what he wants and be generous
with what he has, he will be a success in life no matter what he decides
to do for a living. Letting him know you love him by giving him your
time and affection will help him to be an emotionally healthy and happy
person."
"I hope you can relax and enjoy every day and every moment. You've
probably heard before that time flies, but it really is true.
If I had it to do over, I'd care less about other people's opinions
and listen to my child's opinions and feelings. I'd also let them wear
whatever they wanted, as long as it was something - and also day clothes,
not pjs - yep - still some boundries. Enjoy!"
