Parenthood – A Seven-Act Play

Act 1: The Exhilarating Thought

The first stage of parenthood begins when the desire for having a baby is born in the heart of one or both the parents. In most cases, it is the woman whose maternal instinct begins to assert itself. Women don’t feel complete until they become mothers. So, when the biological clock starts ticking, you decide to take the step of ‘making babies.’

Phase 2: Heavy with Child

You know you have conceived when the familiar signs begin to show that include missing the period followed by morning sickness. You wonder how you will go through it, but when you feel the living presence inside, you know it is all worth it. The slight flutter turns into a kick, and you love it.

Nonetheless, the discomfort goes on increasing in proportion with the physical weight, the swollen ankles and many other discomforts.

Wow - was that you swearing like a trouper? Puff puff, pant pant, "you *****ing *****, I'm never **** going to **** with you again! Oh, Oh, Oh, Ah... isn't she sweet? let's see. ten fingers, ten toes, Oh she's just perfect, isn't she, darling?"

Phase 3: A first time for everything

You go through an entirely new experience when you bring the baby home. The first few days/weeks are marked by sleepless nights, sore nipples, running around to get things done and dieting to lose all those extra pounds.

Each little step in the growth of your child is more exciting than anything you have ever known before, whether it is the first time she discovered her toe or the first time she sat for a few seconds. Then crawling, standing, walking, articulating something that resembled a word – everything is so exciting. You write it down in the baby book with pictures and all. You feel a sense of achievement that calls for a celebration.

Then you begin to sing nursery rhymes and tell bedtime stories

And suddenly it’s time for the first play school. You send your child nicely scrubbed and dressed to school with mixed feelings – happy and worried.

Phase 4 Playgrounds, parties and alphabets.

Then your cuddly baby gets busy with friends in the school. What the teacher and friends say is gospel truth.

This is also the time when they enjoy cracking jokes with each other.

However, you do care about her best friend, and you are there for her at the time of the first rejection. Just as you were there for her when she came home with scraped knees in the playground and complained that ‘so-and-so was not fair!’

For a parent, it is a test of nerves to let them go, but you have to do that anyway. So, the sooner the better.

Phase 5 - Reading, Riting and Rithmatic

Time to put the play aside for a moment. There's letters and sums to learn. For some, it is just a walk in the park, for others it is climbing Everest. It is at this time that the differences between children become apparent. Those with easy kids can't see what all the fuss is about, yet for others it is the beginnings of years of stress, worry, tears and heartache.

But, there are some things that become lifelong memories for all parents because each child is unique. Yet, each child is like all others when it comes to certain things like losing teeth or wanting Christmas presents for instance.

Also, don’t forget to discipline your child; she is no longer a baby.

Phase 6 - Pre-teens and Puberty

Girls will be girls and boys will be boys - and never the two shall mix. Well, why would they? The girls are all into pink and giggle too much - and the boys are just too cool for such silliness.

However, don’t dictate your preferences in clothes to them. They think you are out of date and they know what’s in fashion.

Language. Well cool.

Help her through her first bra, her first period, her lipstick and makeup, her awkwardness and so on.

Act 7 – Adult and Grown Up

Suddenly boys and girls are not so alien after all. Does (s)he fancy me?

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?

The good thing is that now your child is a new young adult and you can have a refreshing conversation with her. Make sure you don’t sermonize.

Then, as suddenly as it had come, the period of turbulent adolescence is over. There is calm after the storm. You meet your young adult, a complete human being full of dreams and ideals but a bit short on confidence and wisdom.

Stage 8: Letting Go!

One day, they will leave home! You need to prepare yourself for that day more than them. However, you love them just as much and you miss them.

"I'll love you, forever. I'll like you, for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be" - Robert Munsch

The moral of the story is that make the most of the years of parenthood; they will pass too quickly.

Article Source: http://www.adoptiondoctors.com/articles

Dr. Noel Swanson's website provides free expert parenting advice - you will also find a free chapter to his highly acclaimed book, the GOOD CHILD Guide. Why not discuss parenting issues with other parents on a parenting forum?
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