Where’s the Manual for this Thing?

You’re finally released from the hospital with a goodie bag, a stack of paperwork, and a baby that completely relies on you for everything from helping them burp after they eat to holding their wobbly neck straight when you sit them up. If this is your first or fifth baby, you’ll find that each one is different, and a new journey every time (with a few similarities). This means that no matter how many books you’ve read, parenting classes you take, or kids you already have, you may find yourself dealing with your baby and asking, “where’s the manual for this thing?” I don’t mean to burst your bubble, but you can search as long as you want in that hospital goodie bag you took home, and won’t find anything for your baby’s exact make and model (trust me, I’ve tried). Despite this, all hope is not lost.

A mother is bombarded with so many questions about what’s right or wrong for their child. Should you breast feed, get them vaccinated, trust other people to watch them? The questions continue to grow as they get older. Do you let them have their own phone, hang out with that suspicious-looking friend they have, or let them drive a car? No matter how many times you search the internet for answers, or consult your village of support, you may not always get it right. When you don’t make the right decision, try not to ball up into the fetal position and cry while swimming in defeat (at least not every time). Just keep doing your best and remember that children are a gift from God. So, if God is love and children come from him, a good rule of thumb is to love them through the good and bad times—easier said than done, I know. There are several ways that you can express love to your child. Explore a few and find what works best for you.

There may not be a manual for your child’s exact unique make and model, but you can find some hidden jewels about parenting in the word of God. It reminds us that God has a specific plan and purpose for each of us, which started before our bodies were even formed in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:15-16). Part of our journey includes making mistakes and experiencing bumps and bruises along the way—growing pains are part of the process. Remember, your child is already destined for greatness. You just have to extend the same love and compassion (and lots of patience) that you’d like to receive as you continue to walk out your own purpose in life. Also, please don’t forget to extend that same love and compassion to yourself as well. You got this!

--Shira Amour