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Parenting isn't that hard.
Parenting isn't that hard.
My experience as a stepdad and now real dad over the last seven years and how my wife and I adapt.
Real Name: Matt Cole Cell: (916)719-9254 Member Since: September 18, 2009 Last Signed In: November 15, 2009 Blog Views: 28 Send To A Friend Sign Guestbook Add as a Friend |
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Parenting isn't that tough - my first post.
Parenting is easy. That’s kind of a bold statement coming from a less than seasoned veteran.
& nbsp; Let me first introduce myself. My name is Matt, I’m married to a wonderful woman that is too good for me and have two daughters ages (almost) 9 & 11 mos. My wife and I have been married 2 ½ years after 5 years of being together. If you do the math, you’ll notice that my oldest daughter is older than my wife and I have been together. It was an “instant family, just add Matt” situation as a friend of mine so adequately described.
& nbsp; For the last 7 and a half years (well 7 years because Jordan didn’t acknowledge my existence for at least 6 months) I’ve been learning how to be a parent. I will not even allude to being a pro because there is no way you can judge your performance until after your term. It’s like being President of the United States – you can set the rules, make the initiatives and put the plans in place for the future but won’t get any credit and often criticized for decades afterwards. I’ve never had any ambition to be President.
& nbsp; Having my youngest has been a double edged sword when it comes to Jordan. I appreciate Jordan more and regret how I’ve acted even more than that. In fact, Jordan and I had a conversation shortly after Devin was born and I apologized to her.
& nbsp; Devin has been wonderful. She’s slept through the night since 8 weeks old, eats like a champ, is very regimented in her schedule and even through teething has maintained an amazingly happy demeanor. She is why I think this parenting thing is a cakewalk. Yeah yeah yeah, I know –“just wait” right? Whatever.
Which brings me to my point. The easy part to parenting isn’t the baby, it isn’t the surroundings, it isn’t your husband or wife, its adaptability. It is a combination of all factors and your ability to handle them. My wife and I are not “it takes a village” type of people, but receive help from tremendous people. We are not “timeout” parents – but there is a time and place. We are not “turn the radio off” type of parents, instead my wife and I choose to illustrate what is and isn’t acceptable for their eyes. We made a pact that we weren’t going to be the parents that allowed our kids to ruin someone else’s day. The easy part is following our rules and being able to modify them on the fly.
Parenting is frustrating, trying, nerve-racking, turbulent, shocking, astonishing and inglorious work on a daily basis. No kidding right? Looking back, the last seven years hasn’t been work at all. Someday if the framework my wife and I set in place is successful, we’ll be promoted to Grand-President.
2 comments from 2 users
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posted by
LoriA
on Oct 6, 2009 at 03:52 PM
Hi Matt and welcome to the site! It's great to hear a dad's perspective and I invite you to blog often to share your insights/experiences. We're all in the same frustrating, trying, nerve-racking, turbulent, shocking, astonishing boat together! Cheers, Lori Anderson-Tel SacMomsClub Community Manager landersontel@sacbee.com posted by
MaCole
on Oct 6, 2009 at 08:53 PM
Thank you! I know lack of experience and nievety shines through right now, but that's why i'm here. A mom at the Sunrise play area gave me a quick lesson when it came to getting my youngest to crawl the other day. Sometimes you just need to have those "DUH, WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT?!" moments brought to your attention by a complete stranger. Thanks!
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