THE SEVEN AGES OF PARENTHOOD

Phase 1: The thought that gives you goosebumps.

Your biological clock ticks away and prompts you to smile at every cute baby face you see. Should you start a family of little ones? This tickles your curiosity as you love to "make" babies.

Phase 2: Pregnant or not?

The missed period - am I, aren't I? Soon confirmed by the morning trips to the bathroom to meet with you new acquaintances Ralph and Huey. But it is all worth it when you feel that first flutter - was that a kick? Was that his, you-know, on the ultrasound?

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????

Here she comes. Your baby pushes and pushes making you have the mouth of a sailor. During labor you decide to never make babies ever again. But wait, she has ten fingers, ten toes, and a sweet smile.

Phase 3: A first time for everything

Sleepless nights, sore nipples, dieting to lose all those extra pounds. Meanwhile, the little darling can do no wrong. Look! She smiles! And she has discovered her toes! I wonder if they really taste so good?

A long list of first time events unfolds. She sits, crawls, stands, and walks to you all on her own. She can eat solid food and go to the potty. You are filled with immense pride. That is, until she has a tantrum, but the tantrum is only temporary.

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.

Common "firsts" evolve to the first best friend and the first time facing rejection. She loves to run around the playground and ends up with bumps and scrapes. She realizes that life is not always fair.

You have to let go, but desire to save them from any harm in the world.

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.

She can be tough to deal with, but she is sweet when she asks for a pony for Christmas.

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

Stage 6: She hits middle school.

They hit puberty and their body will be changing every day. Girls and boys don't spend time with each other. Girls think boys are icky and gross.

Clothes. You are just SO out of date mom! No one wears that anymore! And why should it matter if my pants are hanging down by my knees? Mom, these clothes are too small!

Your daughter says popular words that you don't understand.

First bra, first period. Lipstick and makekup. Squeeky voice that breaks. Anti-perspirant.

Phase 7 - "Kevin goes Large"

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.

Special moments arise when you can have a great discussion with your young adult child. Just make sure you listen and don't sound like a teacher.

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.

Phase 8 (well, who said I could count?)

Your daughter has moved out of the house to start a family of her own. Does she need help? Should you call her?

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: Free Articles - http://www.articlesworldonline.com

Dr. Noel Swanson has a free newsletter on children's behavior problems and is an expert contributor to Yes Parenting website.
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