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Dear Readers,
Babies are so awesome. They come to us cute and
cuddly. Then they begin to smile at us with total,
unconditional love. They give back the love we
shower on them.
When we become parents, we have the opportunity to
mold another human being and to share all the
wondrous things that life has to offer. However,
becoming a parent is also a tremendous
responsibility. My opinion is that it is the most
important thing anyone can do in his or her lifetime
is to raise a child. I believe that it is the
responsibility of all parents to give their children
the tools they need to reach their potential.
I have four children. My two oldest are now parents
of their own children. When I gave birth to my first
child, I had no idea how difficult or how rewarding
being a parent would be. I studied all the books and
went to all the classes, but the more I learned, the
more I realized I knew very little about raising
children.
We have a saying at FAMILIES Magazine, “Parenting,
the hardest job you will ever love.” I do love being
a mom. And, it was the hardest, and continues to be,
my hardest job. Just when you think you can sit back
and relax, another challenge is presented.
I’ve known many first time parents who really had no
idea what they were in for when they decided to
create a baby. Sometimes you try talk about the
awesome responsibility, but all they are thinking
about is the nursery and how long it will take to
get back to “pre baby” shape. Now, don’t get me
wrong. Getting back into shape is important, but
somewhere between the moment of birth and that first
session of breastfeeding, it will hit you. This is a
big job.
One example is breastfeeding. I think that many
generations ago, breastfeeding might have come
naturally. Mothers shared with each other and also
involved older children with the birth of a new
sibling. Children saw a baby at the breast and it
was common. Now, we live far away from brothers,
sisters and parents. Breastfeeding is something done
in private away from sight. How do young mother’s
learn how to breastfeed? Books can not tell the
whole story. However, it is one job that the rewards
far outweigh the effort to learn and perfect.
Nothing is more wonderful than seeing your child
nurse. All four of my children were breastfed and I
would not give up one second of it. It was truly a
life changing experience.
Every October we feature our Baby & Maternity Guide.
If you are expecting or have a new baby, you will
find this guide a wonderful resource. We wish the
best of luck with your new bundle of joy. Enjoy your
children at every stage, marvel in their complexity
and grapple at the immense job of raising them. You
will certainly find it the hardest job you ever
loved with all your heart.
‘Til November, Happy Parenting.
Brenda |
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