How Much Did You Know, Or Think You Knew, About Pregnancy/parenting Before You Became A Parent?
What did you know, or THINK you knew, about pregnancy (mood swings, what you could or could not eat/do, etc…)?
What did you know, or THINK you knew, about basic infant care (how to change a diaper, nursing, naps, etc…)?
What did you know, or THINK you knew, about parenting (child development, discipline, schooling, etc…)?
Are you the type of parent who typically does a lot of research into parenting practices, or the type of parent who just figures it out on your own?
Tags: About, Became, Before, Knew, Know, Much, Parent, Pregnancy/parenting, Think
February 6th, 2010 at 5:23 AM
It’s like this: I don’t care how much someone reads up on it, hears about it, or whatever else; nothing compares to *going* through it, yourself… Those who think they are well-prepared, because of a book, are in for quite a few surprises.
Not to say that books can’t help, or hearing stories, for that matter; they can help, in their way, so at least you know possibilities… But, it’s just not the same.
*edit* For myself, I thought I knew a lot about pregnancy, thanks to books… Nope! No book can prepare you for the shortness of breath, once the baby is growing big, or the panic attacks (not everyone gets these), when you’ve fallen to the floor, cause you can’t breathe, too well! As far as infants, I’d taken care of a lot of babies, so I did know a lot, there… But, I still called the doctor, and had many scares, with each of my babies… Parenting is a life-long process… Every day (almost literally), I’m learning something knew, and the more kids one has, the more you have to adapt, cause they’re all different.
February 6th, 2010 at 10:55 AM
I didn’t know a lot about pregnancy, but I knew a lot about infants. My older brother and his girlfriend, both 21, gave me custody of his son when I was 19 and his son was 9 days old. I became a single mother overnight (and very unexpectedly!!) without ever giving birth. I kept my nephew until my brother and his girlfriend got their lives together and we transitioned him back to their home when he was about 18 months old. That is why I did not have my son until I was older and married, I had already seen what the single mother life was like. I was ready for my baby and knew exactly what to expect.
February 6th, 2010 at 2:50 PM
Pregnancy – I thought I’d know everything. I thought being pregnant would be just like being not pregnant… turns out that you feel completely different and there are tons of limitations. Like, I didn’t realize how much my back would hurt and how heavy babies are when you’re carrying one around in your belly.
Babies – I thought I would have more sleep…
Parenting – I thought it would be easier to get the kids to do what they were told. I thought they would would listen when you ask them to go to bed and have a nap. I thought they would be calmer than they are…
I think I’m a bit of both… I’ve learned a lot about parenting from my sister (watching her raise her now teenaged kids has taught me a lot about raising my young ones). Also, I think I make it up as I go along…
February 6th, 2010 at 9:35 PM
I thought I knew a lot beforehand. Turns out it was all stereotypes and textbook-type info, none of which has any place in the real world. Every kid is different, so they can’t all be raised by the same standards. I have done some research on “parenting practices” for my oldest son, only because I couldn’t “wing it” with Autism. But even then I adjusted things to fit us.
February 7th, 2010 at 12:30 AM
I knew absolutely Nothing and to top it off at age 2 my son was diagnosed with Aspergers .He also Has a DX of Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety,non verbal learning disorder and Obesity.So i was then really clueless .but everyday even now i learn more and more how to be a good parent to my son .I take listen to advice don’t always take it but i am willing to listen i ask questions again don’t always agree with the answers .but nope i couldn’t even raise a pet rock and now my son tell’s me im a great mom
February 7th, 2010 at 5:20 AM
I knew most of the theory but I had never actually done it.
It’s very different said than done, but having the information helped very much.
I am the type of mother that does a lot of research but I decide, by putting it to use, what works for my family and what doesn’t.