Parenthood -- The Guessing Game
Being the mother of a 5-month-old is definitely teaching me a lot of things. One of the things I have learned is that parenting can be compared to being involved in a giant guessing game.
From day one of your child's life, the guessing begins.
• Why is he crying?
• Is he wet ... hungry ... sleepy?
• Is my baby getting enough to eat?
• Should I wake him up to eat if he is asleep?
• Will I ever sleep again?
Just about the time you start to feel as if you've figured the game out, your baby moves to the next phase or shakes up a his routine and the guessing begins all over again.
• Is my baby ready to try solids?
• Is he teething and if so, what can I do to make him feel better?
• How do I get him into a consistent routine?
• Is he reaching the developmental milestones he should be?
Sometimes, guessing can be downright exhausting.
However, we can take away a couple of insights from this parenting guessing game.
1. As a new parent, there is no feeling quite like the satisfaction you feel when you finally figure out how to best meet your child's needs, even if it is only for a moment. Every correct "guess" works to build your confidence as a parent. And after a while, you are not quite as afraid of guessing wrong.
2. There is great peace in knowing that God is in control. You may feel insecure, but you can rest in the fact that ultimately, God will guide you as you care for your child. All you have to do is seek Him and trust Him.
Do you ever feel like you are playing a guessing game? Or do you have even more insight to share with ParentLife readers? Leave us a comment and tell us about it.
Comments (1)
I feel like I'm constantly in a guessing game with our daughter. She has multiple food allergies, eczema, and asthma. I'm continually trying to figure out what causes her "flare-ups". You are right, correct guesses and the doctor confirming my insights does boost my confidence, "I can do this", and there is tremendous peace knowing God knows all about her and all about her health and HE is in control!
Oh and my advice is trust your instincts...mine are usually right but sometimes I have to convince the doctors.
Thanks! The blog looks great!
Posted on January 29, 2009 12:30 PM