Submitted by JeremiahD (not verified) on May 9, 2008 - 11:16am.
I am NOT surprised to read that parents
know little about their baby’s development. You can read all the books
you want, babysit someone else’s children, and even take parenting
classes, but none of it really prepares you for the real experience of
being a parent. The simple fact is that parenting wisdom is not the
same as book knowledge. Whether you’re a couple raising a child or a
single parent, it is important to reach out and talk to trusted medical
providers, friends and family and talk about things you are unsure of.
I thought I knew it all when I first became a dad. Sadly I did not,
I seriously injured my baby while rough housing with her. I saw a
friend playing with his child a few years before, in a similar manner
and thought it was okay for my infant – wrong! I become involved with
CPS and spent 18 months in a 20-hour-a-week parenting program. After
many hours of mentoring and counseling; I found that I initially had no
real experience or knowledge. However, through the wisdom of my trusted
mentors I learned what my baby's developmental needs are. My child has
long since recovered from her injuries and developing very well. She is
2 1/2 and currently going through potty training; which takes, time,
patience and lots of love.
Remember if you are uncertain ask questions, ask for help. Learning to be a parent is a lifetime experience.
Wisdom is not the same as knowledge
I am NOT surprised to read that parents know little about their baby’s development. You can read all the books you want, babysit someone else’s children, and even take parenting classes, but none of it really prepares you for the real experience of being a parent. The simple fact is that parenting wisdom is not the same as book knowledge. Whether you’re a couple raising a child or a single parent, it is important to reach out and talk to trusted medical providers, friends and family and talk about things you are unsure of.
I thought I knew it all when I first became a dad. Sadly I did not, I seriously injured my baby while rough housing with her. I saw a friend playing with his child a few years before, in a similar manner and thought it was okay for my infant – wrong! I become involved with CPS and spent 18 months in a 20-hour-a-week parenting program. After many hours of mentoring and counseling; I found that I initially had no real experience or knowledge. However, through the wisdom of my trusted mentors I learned what my baby's developmental needs are. My child has long since recovered from her injuries and developing very well. She is 2 1/2 and currently going through potty training; which takes, time, patience and lots of love.
Remember if you are uncertain ask questions, ask for help. Learning to be a parent is a lifetime experience.
JeremiahD
Dads Helping Dads
Spokane, WA