So we’re now a year into parenthood, and now feeling a little smug or perhaps we are still deer caught in headlights but we now see some things very clearly. And it certainly isn’t what they teach you in childbirth prep class. In fact, now, I sort of feel that all these preparatory classes are an utter waste of time or at least, the emphasis is all wrong.
Childbirth lasts a fraction of the time one is a parent. Yes, it can be memorable – good or bad. But let’s face it, child does not remember. And the experience, I am sure some experts will say I am wrong, does not impact or shall I say foretell anything about the parenting experience. Parenting is trial by doing, I will not say error. Parenting without much support from our “village” is unnatural.
What we really need a class on before bebe arrives is – well, merely spending time with other families, not dinner, but real time – a whole day or week. In our scattered culture family is not the legendary support system it may have once been, granny is not around the corner for the most part and even if she is, she may be too busy, perhaps even still working, to help out.
A mentoring program for new parents – critical. Locally we have Peps, and some other moms groups but no one to one link up of expectant parent, to experienced parent. Existing groups are for after the birth, we believe there needs to be a program before the birth – a special mentoring situation where expecting parents can have questions answered and develop a relationship as they become parents. We’re not sure how to set this up as yet, but we’re working on it.
