Helpful tips I have learned by necessity...

I thought I would share some things a parent should know whether you’re a parent for the first time or maybe on your own without the backup of a spouse.

· Buy a book about healthcare for your child’s age. When he wakes up in the middle of the night sick you’ll be better prepared to know what to do.
· Stock up. Keep some liquid Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen around for pain and fever and cough medicine for when they are congested. Bandaids are a must (Wyatt prefers the Cars ones – of course) and an antibiotic ointment. The last thing you’ll want to do is to take your sick child along to the local pharmacy. When your child is sick keep in mind how you feel when your sick and you’ll have a better understanding of what he’s going through.
· Read up on what to expect out of your child socially. An only child may be less likely to share his toys with others if he has never had anyone to share them with. Learn where your child should be mentally for his age. ABC’s, 123’s, Hot from Cold, Left from Right. Your Church may have a faith based magazine strictly covering parenting. These are the only ones I’ve seen that actually include information specifically for fathers as well.
· Forget what you were told about cleaning your plate at dinner. If he ate all his breakfast he’s probably not going to be all that hungry at lunch or even dinner. His stomach isn’t as big as yours so put small portions on his plate. You can always add more and if he isn’t really hungry leave the plate on the table. When he asks for a treat later have him eat some of his dinner first. Don’t make as big deal about it as your parents might have.

I guess here is where I should put something about this list not being created by a professional, etc., etc. In reality, I don’t believe there is any such thing as “professional” parents anyway. I think we are all just working through things, one day at a time, the best we can.

Good luck and God Bless.