And you know it. Or you should admit to it. Because here is that undeniable truth that no one mentioned about parenting when you announced you were having a baby. Among all the "CONGRATULATIONS", hugging, back slapping and the occasional knowing look did anyone say pull you aside and say;
"So parenting - what's it all about then?"
"So parenting - what's it all about then?"
Because its assumed we are all experts. There have been countless generations of humans, we have been parenting for thousands of years. If the Kardashian's can be parents how hard can it be???
Well - very. Very Very. Just look at how the Kardashians' turned out.
When I was asked "What's it like being a parent?" I would always say,
"Imagine the hardest job you've ever done, and double it, and make it last forever." That's parenting.
And despite the MASSIVE marketing campaign to make you feel empowered with books, CD's, courses and more books, the truth is you won't ever fully understand what your doing or why. (That doesn't mean the books and stuff are worthless. Some are good to start fires with)
But here is the good news. No one know what they are doing either. We are all doing our best. Armed with good intentions, a few bit of facts from books and TV, and endless supplies of baby wipes.
NEVER forget the baby wipes!
And for all else there is Google.
Because, for every single problem you are having with your child, countless others have been there and done it. There are forums and forums packed with good ideas, crazy stories and desperate parents all looking for solace in their attempt to make sense of why little cherubs keep trying to wake the dead at 3am. Mum's are great at using this tool. They use it A LOT!
Guys aren't great at this. They see it like reading instructions to an Ikea flat pack. But I'm assuming by now in your parenting journey you have realised most of the problems you are experiencing can't be solved by an allen key and wood glue (I least I hope so). So reach out and talk to others, read their stories and hear the advice. It might not always be relevant to you, but it will give you comfort that other people are having similar problems, and finding solutions.
Part of this blog is to share some of those experiences as much to help people feel a bit more connected, but also to vent, share and generally explore this strange new world.
Good luck on the journey guys
Paul