Receiving the gift of children seems too wonderful and delicate for our unskilled hands. Parenthood can seem daunting when you are alone with your newborn for the first time. There?s no owner?s manual. The staff at the hospital will wish you well. They will say their good-byes, collapsing your support group, and in this void parenthood takes on new meaning. What does this cry mean? How can I help my baby get to sleep? How will I know if their crying means they are sick? Am I caring for them properly? What will happen if I do it wrong?
These questions are daunting, but don?t panic. Cherish these historical moments. Your baby?s childhood will accelerate. Soon they will be a toddler, and then they will storm through pre-adolescence and become a hormonal teen. Before you know it, they will be grown. So take it slow. Sing a few lullabies to your newborn. Whisper hushes of peace to them. Let them know everything is all right. This will soothe parent and child.
So don?t worry about not knowing everything about parenting. No one begins the journey of parenthood with everything figured out. Nothing worthwhile comes to us overnight. So enjoy the journey. Do the best you can. Love like a parent. Love like a friend. Love will be your gift back to your newborn. And love will be enough, as love always is. You will be a great parent!
Robert Stofel has published four books and numerous articles and short stories in literary journals, such as Zone 3, Aura Literary Arts Review and others. You can sample more of his writing at his website http://www.robertstofel.com
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