I listened to her, I got to know her, I studied her responses, her expressions. Like any relationship, we got to know each other and fell more in love with every passing day.
New Year’s Eve was a warm night and she was incredibly unsettled. At close to midnight, I decided if she wasn’t going to sleep, she might as well watch the fireworks with us. So I went against every bit of advice I read or heard and got her out of bed. She had the biggest smile on her face and loved seeing all the flashing lights in the night sky, and that was enough for me to know that she’s fine, and I’m doing OK as a mum.
Watching the news, reading the paper, in fact anywhere you look, there is so much anger and negativity in our world. Regardless of what sort of schedule you keep for your baby or if you decide to breast or bottle-feed. Whatever techniques and methods you decide on, as a parent, you shouldn’t be made to feel bad for those decisions. If we teach our children to love and accept others, to show kindness and not judgment, think of the impact that would make on an entire generation. Let’s start by not judging other parents. Instead of offering your opinion on what other parents should do differently, find something you think they are doing great and praise them. Telling a parent they are doing a great job goes such a long way. To hear your peers acknowledge you can be a great confidence boost. And telling an absolute stranger they are wonderful with their kids goes even further. It could make all the difference in that person’s journey to becoming a wonderful parent.
Suzi O’Shea is a writer/editor/homemaker and maker of humans. After years in the debaucherous media industry, she never dreamed of a domesticated life caring for small people. She is also editorial director of parentingfortrashbags.com, and can be found on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
