As a first-time mom at 34, I entered parenthood with a firm set of beliefs about what I would absolutely never do and what I would always adhere to. However, I quickly learned that my idealistic views often clashed with the reality of raising a child. For every rule I set, there were compelling reasons to abandon them.
1. No Co-Sleeping
I envisioned my baby peacefully nestled in a bassinet, but reality hit when my little one woke every hour, making co-sleeping a necessity. After adjusting to this new rhythm, I found joy in sharing our bed. Now that my son is 6, our family still enjoys Friday night sleepovers together.
2. No Formula
Entire generations thrived on formula, and many of them are doing just fine. My son was breastfed until age 2, but during particularly challenging days, a bit of formula saved my sanity. As my husband wisely pointed out, my struggles were unnecessary, and we all benefitted from better sleep.
3. No Sugar
Growing up, my health-conscious father forbade sugar, yet I became a secret sugar fiend, leading to a multitude of cavities. I’ve since learned moderation is key. My child enjoys the occasional sweet treat but doesn’t feel the need to hoard candy.
4. Only Organic Food
In a perfect world, we’d all eat organic. However, financial realities often dictate our choices, and sometimes convenience takes precedence. Our parents survived on far less nutritious options and turned out fine.
5. No Television
As a non-TV household, I initially adhered to the “no TV before age 2” guideline. However, as a work-at-home mom, I found that a little screen time became essential for downtime. Now that my son is in first grade, I’m comfortable allowing him an hour of relaxation in front of the screen, teaching him moderation along the way.
6. No Separate Meals
Not every palate is the same. My son has his dislikes, like mint and plums, while I enjoy them. Plus, due to my recent celiac diagnosis, I have to eat gluten-free. I prepare a main dish we can share, then add sides that cater to my husband and son’s tastes.
7. No Time-Outs
Having grown up with minimal discipline, I initially viewed time-outs as cruel. However, I quickly realized that these breaks helped me to regain my composure, and soon my son understood that sometimes, Mama needed a moment to breathe.
8. No Bribery
When you’re at the checkout line and your child is having a meltdown, if a piece of chocolate can keep the peace, it’s worth it. Sometimes, the psychological price of a little bribery is a small price to pay for a smoother day.
The one principle I will always uphold is to show my son that boys can express affection freely. Bedtime cuddles, tickles, and extra kisses are essential, no matter how late it gets or how many times he asks.
For more insights on parenthood and the journey of creating your family, check out our other post about the at-home insemination kit. You can also find valuable information on home insemination at this authority on the topic, and for further reading, visit Healthline’s resource on intrauterine insemination.
In summary, parenting is full of unexpected challenges that often lead us to reconsider our initial beliefs. Embracing flexibility and understanding that every child is unique can lead to a more harmonious family life.