Something I hear expressed from so many pregnant women and new - TopicsExpress

Something I hear expressed from so many pregnant women and new mums and dads, is the amount of UNSOLICITED ADVICE they receive on a daily basis. They get it from strangers, work colleagues, friends and family. Their own parents and in laws top the list with well meaning advice that comes from a place of love, concern and a need to share their wisdom from own parenting journey. It is meant to help, but more often then not, new parents express their dismay at this advice, that can be confusing and contradictory, leaving them feeling unsure about their own parenting ability and intuition. Let us never forget as friends and family of new parents we are their greatest resource of support. Lets take this role seriously. The right support can help build their confidence and launch them positively into parenthood! Never forget that this is THEIR parenting journey and inside them is their own wisdom for them to discover! I was considering this issue earlier today and decided to write a tongue in cheek ,Dr seuss-esque poem, to some very important people- new Grandparents! (feel free to printout and send to your in laws with a bunch of flowers ;-) ) Dear New Grandparents We are so lucky to have you all! We welcome you to your new role. Grandparents are here to spoil and love, they really are a gift from above. But here is something I often see. (and to be honest it worries me.) Too many times a new mum and dad, are accidentally made to feel rather bad. From well meaning advice, that comes from love and care, but can be confusing, and tends to scare. Being told how, is no way to learn, wisdom from experience, is something well earn. Its our turn now, to take the reins, we thank you for all the skills weve gained. We promise that we will do our very best, to parent our babe with love and respect. There is an awful lot to know, and through our child we will learn and grow. We know that this is a difficult task, but please hold your advice until we ask. When our sweet bub arrives, and all we want is sleep. And when our learning curve becomes very, very steep. Please trust our decisions and respect our wishes; and instead of giving advice- can you PLEASE wash our dishes?