| I'm a father of three, and it's easy to in hindsight say | | | | most parenting magazines would instruct you to do), |
| what and wasn't a great idea when we were raising | | | | do a little research. Call some parents and toy stores. |
| our kids. However, I do remember how scary it can be | | | | Children, especially at a young age, just want to fit in. If |
| when you have your first child. | | | | it turns out that everyone really does has it, and it's not |
| So if you're a new parent, here are a couple tips from | | | | too ridiculous, a surprise gift once and a while can be |
| someone who knows what it is like: | | | | rewarding for both you and your child. |
| 1.) Take a deep breath - everyone on earth has had | | | | 4.) Arts and Crafts pay dividends. Does you child want |
| children. If they could handle it, I know you can as well. | | | | to paint? How about do some sort of messy craft. |
| 2.) Planning on redoing your living room? Want to make | | | | Don't be afraid of the mess or the fact that something |
| your family room really nice? WAIT. Give it a couple of | | | | may get broken. Your child is at an age where these |
| years (until your baby is about 7 or so). No need to | | | | types of creative activities can really cultivate their |
| bring the added stress to both you and your child from | | | | minds. Plus, there's only a couple years where they're |
| trying to keep a room nice. | | | | content with playing with macaroni. Enjoy it. |
| 3.) Take note of this statement: "Everybody has one." | | | | I know it's not much, but they were just a couple |
| This line will be used so many different times | | | | thoughts I had. Perhaps I'll post more later. |
| throughout your parenting experience that you'll | | | | I wish all new parents the best of luck with the |
| probably go numb to it. Instead of just saying no (like | | | | adventure ahead. |