THE SEVEN STAGES THAT EVERY PARENT WITNESSES

Stage 1: Me, have kids? Really?

Your biological alarm goes off. Every baby is unbeliveably cute. Am I ready for kids? They are pretty darn cute. Why not? Plus, making babies is quite fun!

Phase 2: Pregnant or not?

You missed your period and are trying to decipher your home preganancy test. Are you pregnant? Wow! A sweet baby face could be on its way. You ponder this as you run to the bathroom yet again.

A few months later and you know all about those kicks - and the elbows. Plus backache, piles, swollen ankles, varicose veins - who was responsible for getting you into this state????

Baby arrives with loud fan fare. You swear at your husband and swear you can't take the pain of giving birth ever again. You spot her cute grin and your heart melts.

Phase 3: Creating a "first" for every occassion.

Sleep is a long lost art. Your nipples kill and you are can't stand the endless dieting. Despite the discomfort your baby is worth every moment. She smiles at discovering her little toes. She tastes them. You get the bottle because she must be hungry.

The "firsts" for every occassion erupt. She sits, crawls, stands, and walks to you all on her own. She can eat solid food and go to the potty. You are so proud until she throws an ear piercing tantrum. This doesn't deter your enthusiasm about celebrating her "firsts".

You sing nursery rhymes that give way to watching TV instead.

First kindergarten or school: a mixed blessing. Where did my baby go?

Stage 4: Her social world expands.

She is no longer your little baby. She goes to school. She wears a uniform that makes her look so independent.

The bathroom humor surfaces. Who knew relieving one's self could be so funny.

Their first best friend, and first rejection. Scraped knees in the playground. And, of course, their first "it's not fair!"

You want them to be independent, but it is hard. Why can't you have the ability to protect them from the world?

Phase 5 - Reading, Riting and Rithmatic

Play times fall by the wayside when they have to learn the alphabet and addition. It may be easier for your child or it may feel like the teacher is speaking Chinese. If your child succeeds easily you have a fairly smooth ride ahead of you. If your child has trouble then you will have many potholes on the road called "school".

Even so, there are always the little events to remember - All she wants for Christmas is her two front teeth (along with Barbie and a puppy dog!)

The temptation to baby her strong, but you remember she needs to do her chores.

Phase 6: Almost a teenager

They hit puberty and their body will be changing every day. The girls hang with the girls and the boys hang with the boys. Girls are too silly for boys. Girls think boys are not mature.

Your personal style will not be cool no matter what. No one wears the clothes you have in your wardrobe and your daughter will tell you this every day.

Language. Well cool.

Their voices go up and down. Your daughter is embarassed and proud to shop for her first bra.

Phase 7: They hit the social scene.

Boys and girls discover the attraction to each other. They wonder if anyone has a crush on them.

Your daughter has become the authority on everything. You have somehow become the student.

Parents are out of style while friends are the top of their social list. Your daughter wants to stay out till the wee hours of the morning with friends. Why not? Everyone else is staying out that late.

But, every now and then, you can have an amazing conversation with your new young adult - as long as you aren't trying to lecture them.

Your daughter becomes an adult. She is back to talking with you and tells you about her life dreams. She is ready to tackle the world.

Stage 8: (The rest of your lives.)

So they've left home - but they are still your little darlings. Your worries and hopes for them continue.

You will always love your children no matter what.

Time flies. Take a moment to enjoy the specialness of each and every day with your children.

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

Dr. Noel Swanson has a free newsletter with expert parenting advice and also regularly writes for Yes Parenting website.
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