The parental role or my experience of caring for two children
It's been a few years since I first held my baby. How did I feel then and how do I feel now? And what does parenthood bring us?
Moments of happiness, joy, and love... uncertainty about whether I'll be able to do everything the way I want to...
The mutual glances, the eye contact, and the first smile 😊.
I hope every first-time mother experiences something similar.
Although pregnancy doesn't always go smoothly, I was lucky enough to have a nice time and really enjoy the anticipation of having a baby.
When you hold your baby in your arms, you know that you are suddenly a family and that there is a lot of joy, but also a lot of worry. He is in the world and you are responsible for him.
As time goes on, you find out how to communicate with your baby, what he needs, how he feels...
Sometimes it's hard to know why he's crying, what he's missing...
When he grows up and can tell you better what he wants, other questions come up. A child goes through a difficult period of searching for himself, his role, and his value - the so-called "period of defiance". It's good to learn to "be in it together" and not against yourself. But that's easy to say and sometimes harder to do.
Every child is different, just as every parent is different, we learn a lot about not only the child but also ourselves from interacting with them. Often our reactions to a child's behavior are a reflection of our perceptions and experiences, rarely are they triggered by the child alone.
The birth of a sibling is received in different ways; the first-born child can be partially prepared for it. I think it is good for the child to know in advance that there will be two, but that we are still there for him and will be there as parents. That is so that they perceive enough love.
When caring for a second baby, it's good to involve the first child as much as possible. Just little things like handing a nappy when changing, slowly showing the baby black and white pictures from side to side, 'grazing the horses' together, etc. It depends on the age spacing of the babies.
Have you thought about how to be a good mum/dad?
I haven't avoided this question either. Although I know I will never be perfect, I try to make sure my children grow up in a loving environment and our relationship is constantly evolving.
As parents, we learn a lot from our children, even as we raise them, they also provide us with feedback about us. It's about mutuality and respect in the relationship 😊.
What is your experience with childcare? Have you ever had self-doubt?
