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Question: What advice would you offer to Erin and me as we prepare to become parents ourselves? |
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I really can�t give myself advice for this, but I would like to share what is on my mind. The whole idea of becoming a parent is overwhelming. Will I be a good, nurturing parent? Will I know what to do when my child is crying because of a bad nightmare or because of an ear ache? Will I change the baby�s diaper correctly?
I suppose being nervous is normal. My life and my outlook on life are going to change completely. It will never again be all about me. I�m ready though, or at least I think I�m ready.
Love. Blessing. Hope.
I know the instant I hold my newborn child for the first time, love will overtake me like never before. This child will be the ultimate blessing to Erin and me, and I know we will strive with all of our hearts to love and to provide.
- thoughts from Mr. Aten |
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Always show your child you love them. And be consistant in everything you do and say to them. You also have to learn that sometimes you have to be firm with them. But when their little, hold them, always talk to them, and remember you can not spoil a baby.
Zack's family |
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Future Aten Mommy & Daddy
Wow!
I�ll try to be brief however as a parent of 4 (1 step, 3 mine) I do have a lot to say on this subject. I�ve made a CD for you that says most of what I can summarize as �Roots and Wings.�
There are two main points of advice that come to mind:
#1 - Never lose yourselves in the new baby, infant, toddler, child, preteen, teenager, preadolescent, etc�Always nurture your relationship as husband and wife and best friends. Coming from a place of a second marriage and a �blended family� I know how easy it can be to grow apart. Remember how you feel today about each other as this miracle continues to grow inside Erin. Also remember the �excitement� you felt in the beginning of your relationship.
#2 - If you haven�t already (and I think you have (are). Try to find yourself �rooted and grounded� in the word of God. Use him as your strength. We�ve all heard the verse �Raise up a child in the way they should go and as they grow old, they�ll not depart from it. (ad lib) I was raised in a Christian home. I can remember prayer before meals, bedtime prayers, bible study, being in church every time possible. We didn�t have much $, but my heritage, in my opinion, is priceless!
That�s my main 2 �advice� points, but I also wanted to add a few more that I won�t go into lengthy detail.
#3 - take lots of pictures, videos, journal everything - you will forget little things you think you�ll never forget.
#4 � let your child see you support one another i.e. discipline
#5 - still �date� even though you want the baby around 24/7, time alone is valuable!
#6 � don�t let �things� bog you down � finances, work, etc. � Family is #1
So, hope this helps and I hope you enjoy the CD. Some songs you may have already heard.
Good luck,
Tami (Emma�s Mom) |
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First of all get plenty of sleep now! No just kidding. When it gets baby shower time ask for lots of diapers and wipes. Now on a more serious side, I think the most important thing to do is help each other and enjoy your child. God had never given more of a precious gift. Lots of luck and congratulations.
Teresa (Matthew�s Mom) |
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Just take time for each other and love each other and spend as much time with each other as you can before the baby gets here. Because when you have a baby it is a Big Blessing from God and they are so precious and they will have to have both of y�alls attention and care all the time. So sometimes both of you will probably think that y�all don�t get to spend as much time together like you used to, because having a baby will be a big change and just don�t let things change between the two of you! Congratulations!!!
Leah�s Family |
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Mr. Aten, Congratulations on your first child. My advice is to savor every moment you have with your children, especially while they are so small. It goes by much to fast. Next pray for patience that you�ll be able to endure sleepless nights and temper tantrums. And be supportive to each other. Times can be very trying and it is good to have some one who can take over when the other is exhausted. Be sure to take time out for yourselves away from the children. If you have more than one child be careful not to favor one over the other for this encourages jealousy among siblings. I hope this helps you out in your future family.
Again Congrats,
Donna ( Daniel�s Mom) |
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Becoming a parent can almost seem overwhelming. Our advice to you is to begin praying everyday for your now. Pray for short term things like a safe pregnancy but also begin praying for long term things like who your child�s mate will be when they choose to marry. Pray also for wisdom and guidance as you have to make day to day decisions for your child. The Lord has blessed you with a child who will be here soon. Now, your job is to release your child back to the Lord for Him to work in and through their life. Being a parent of a child is the toughest job you�ll ever have yet it is the one with ETERNAL impact that will never be forgotten.
Scott & Laura (Emily�s parents) |
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First and foremost, get lots of sleep now! Second, enjoy every minute of your baby. They grow so fast and change so quickly. Also, make sure to remove small items from coffee tables and shelves. You might as well do it before the child is born so you will remember where you put the items. Your memory may not be so good after they arrive. Best of luck!
Leigh (Sarah�s Mom) |
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