In 1995, when I became a mother, if the Internet was around, I didn’t know how to use it. I had my pediatrician, my husband, and any book I could get my hands on to find information. That was it.
Now, new moms have literally infinite opinions as they google their concern du jour…
Do I start cereal at four months or do I wait?
My Word! Ask this simple question on any one of the mommy sites or facebook pages and as a new mother you will be inundated with opinions (stated as facts) that will have you certain that there is a governmental conspiracy to give your kid cancer through the enrichment of foods.
Should I feed my baby a bottle so I can get some rest?
Again, a barrage of opinions flung upon a lonely, scared new mother that leave her spinning thinking there must be something selfishly wrong with her if she is not willing to be a human pacifier.
Is it okay to let my baby cry?
Goodness gracious. Everything from encouragement to borderline assault. Babies can cry, but only for five minutes. You’re a terrible mom if you let them cry at all. You will destroy them psychologically. You will develop their lungs. You will scar them emotionally.
When should I start potty training?
Some women swear their kids were trained at a year old (LIARS!) and others have a two year development plan for getting there including a song and dance for every successful soiling in the toilet.
Moms, be careful where you go to get your information. I have not even touched on vaccinations, education, marital advice, toddlerhood, or teenagers. You will have countless questions. People will have endless opinions.
If you are married, ask your husband, go to your pediatrician, or ask an EXPERIENCED MOM who can look at it through a lens deeper than six months. If you are not married and walking this challenging path on your own, please be careful where you go to get support…and consider this website a safe place to ask for prayer and encouragement.
Me personally? I start cereal when baby is no longer sleeping through the night because he is hungry (usually around 4 months old), and I would give the breastfed baby a bottle if you need sleep, of course it is okay to let him cry a bit, and I don’t bother potty training until three years old and by that age it takes me two days.
You have a friend in me…and by God’s grace, I just happen to have a wee bit of experience. Never hesitate to ask. I would love to be your biggest encourager.
lyettereback says
Amanda, you touched on something most new moms don’t realize when they are “in the weeds.” Before full on panic sets in, try and think, 10 years from now will I even remember this as a struggle? Will my baby? No? Good. Then stop the freak out and breathe. Wish someone would have told me this Daly Kay’s first year of life…
Victoria says
Out of my six kids, I had 2 who were trained before their 2nd birthdays. My oldest son was trained at 20 months, both day and night, in 2 weeks. My middle daughter began training herself and was done before 2. One of my granddaughters trained herself around 18 months or so. They would all qualify as 1 year old. Just sayin’. 🙂 Every child is different.
Lyette Reback says
Good for you Victoria! That’s awesome! God bless!
Michelle says
Where were you 27 years ago…;^) What a blessing and a priceless resource moms these days have in you!
Lisa Cox says
Thank you!!! I was wondering about the age for potty training for my Grand Girlie.
Thanks for encouraging me!
April Brunjes says
How do you address coveting with your kids? My girls always want what the other one has whether it be a cup of juice, a toy, time with mommy, etc. Help me please! 🙂
Hannah Staton says
I have tears in my eyes, I am just so thankful to have found your blog. I have two who are still in the little years, and I pray we are able to have (many) more down the road. 🙂 Thanks for writing. I appreciate your heart in what you say. <3