Successful Parenting - Becoming a New Parent

   by Peter Couchin Family / Parenting    (submitted 2011-09-19)

You've had nine months to prepare. Hormones of the new-to-be mom are raging and she's starting to nest. Dad's a little nervous, not knowing exactly what pregnancy is like but has been able to see the changes in his baby's mother. There's usually a huge welcoming into the baby club with several congratulatory remarks and adorable gifts.

Welcoming a baby into the world is more than just pastels, cute tiny clothes, cribs, and rattles. It's the most amazing experience a person will ever have and if someone could bottle up the feeling of becoming a new parent, they could sell it for millions as it's an indescribable feeling that you'll never forget.

Labor pain can be excruciating and terrifying for the mother-to-be. Why is water gushing on the floor? Why is the father running around in circles almost forgetting the directions to the hospital? It's overwhelming. But when it's all over, the stork has made it's baby delivery, you have the tiniest and most special gift you will ever be granted. The days in the hospital are just the beginning but at least you have hired help. Careful preparation and organization prior to the baby's birth will help you transition your life into taking home a peace of your new family.

Life turns into a series of constant bottles, diapers and sleepless nights and can be a struggle at first. But never fear, with the help of each other and family or friends to help be caregivers, you will soon adjust and truly be able to enjoy the meaning of a family. Emotions will sweep over you in ways that you never knew existed.

The first few months, you hold this tiny object, like a porcelain doll, hoping that it won't break. It won't but it will take a little while to be accustomed to accepting that yes, this is your child and always will be. Newborns are precious but don't expect them to sing and dance for you just yet. After a few more months, there comes the teeth and then the rolling over and the crawling and finally the walking that soon turns into running. Before you know it, you have a toddler, eating real tiny bits of food and uttering your name, "Momma?" "Dadda!"

The first year is amazing. If you sit back and think about it all, don't miss a moment. Enjoy every new task they learn. Something as simple as finding your hands and toes we take for granted; but for a new child, it's all new. Savor every second with your child that you can and enjoy the process of becoming a new parent. It's truly a time when a child grows fastest both physically and mentally and is truly a miracle and a gift. About the Author

Wait a minute! If you are a mom and looking for successful parenting styles and tips, do check our website.

Peter Couch

Self Help Tips for Successful Parenting

   by Peter Couchin Family / Parenting    (submitted 2011-09-19)

Have you found yourself caught up in day to day hustle and bustle with the kids going to football practices or dance lessons? Are your kids out of control some days and you want to lock yourself in the closet? Have you considered sitting them on the curb to see if anyone would take them?

(Just kidding on that last one).

There's no need to fret. Keep in mind the glory of being a parent. They say the best things in life are free. Kids aren't free, I suppose, but their love and affection is and can be very rewarding. Nothing matters more in the world than having a little version of you running through the water sprinkler, playing hide and seek, earning bowling trophies or just plain having the same facial expressions you do.

Remember that when you become stressed out. That's the number one tip for being a successful parent. Children are a joy to watch grow, flourish and succeed, no matter what their age may be.

Listen to your child. Let them express themselves scholarly, emotionally and physically.

Remember to keep calm. There may be days when the kids are bouncing off the walls and you're about to go crazy. Don't. Remember, they're just kids and you were like that once. Let them have fun. As long as they're not hurting themselves, there's no need to go ballistic on them. Simply remind them who's in charge. Keep in mind that this extra energy they're running off will help them sleep better at night which is actually a plus for you (you may even get some downtime to yourself out of it!).

Don't be afraid to ask other parents for advice. Some situations seem absolutely outrageous. Who thought to stick that penny up their nose anyway? Never fear, your peers can help you throughout the struggles

Just because you're in a foul mood perhaps because you were late for work or your car broke down, don't take it out on them. It's not their fault. Keep yourself from throwing your own temper tantrum. This will teach them to keep their cool in situations that make them angry. This creates a more harmonious environment for everyone.

Teach them. Spend time with them. Get to know them. Let them learn who they are and what their interests are.

Love your child. Show them affection. There's not enough hugs, kisses and "I love you's" to show how much they mean to you. If they aren't shown affection at a young age and throughout their lives, it may lead to relationship issues in the future. So show them love and show it often. About the Author

Wait a minute! If you are a mom and looking for successful parenting styles and tips, do check our website.

Peter Couch