Becoming a parent
Taking care of a little human being comes with a cocktail of emotions, it can be both daunting and exhilarating at the same time. However, being prepared for their arrival helps calm the nerves.
How-to-prepare for the arrival of your little one:
Book a session with a Paediatrician
Prepare all the questions you might have about babies, a good Paediatrician will help answer most of those questions. If you and your partner come from different backgrounds, clashes may arise as a result of different cultures and beliefs. A doctor can help bring peace by demystifying certain issues. My husband and I come from a culture where babies are believed to have their own temperature settings and should always be wearing three layers of clothing and wrapped in a blanket even when the outside temperatures are scotching hot, and the adults are melting.
Read articles on what-to-expect
Reading equips you with information that will help make your parenting a whole lot easier. I remember when I was pregnant with Nenyasha (my first born), I had an app on my phone, my husband and I would look forward to the weekly updates on his development.
Chat with other Parents
Talking to someone who has walked the path before you helps put your mind at ease. Chat to a friend or relative whose parental style you admire and ask their ears off lol 🙂 It will help you become a better parent, and you will not make the same mistakes they made.
Baby Proof Your House
A safe space gives you peace of mind. Prepare for your little one’s arrival by baby proofing your house. Yes, they are not going to start by crawling to that electric socket or opening the oven door but shopping for these gadgets helps mentally prepare you for the new addition.
Communicate
You cannot walk this journey alone! So, whether you are doing this with your partner or with the help of family and friends always communicate what your expectations are. Clearly communicate how you would want to raise your child. Yes, you will never have all the answers beforehand, sometimes you may feel like you are unsure of yourself, but you will be ok, and they will turn out just fine. Children are a gift from God and HE who is gifting you with that precious little one also created you. Trust that HE also deposited something in you that will ensure you raise them well.Â
Enjoy every moment
Enjoy parenthood, capture every moment. Be there for them, talk to them, read to them and listen to them. When Nenyasha was in utero I read to him and talked to him like he was right next to me. There was a day I had to phone my husband to fetch me from work, I was in my third trimester and Nenyasha was in a position that made me uncomfortable and sore. He fetched me and as soon he did, he spoke to Nenyasha asking him to move I remember looking at my husband like he was crazy, but Nenyasha did move. Nenyasha loves reading books, when its library day at school he can’t wait to open his bag and start reading the book he will have picked.Â
PARENTING IS BEAUTIFUL SAVOR EVERY MOMENT THEY GROW UP SO FAST!