The big principles I had before becoming a parent... and reality.
There was a time when, young and naive as you were, you had great ideas about parenthood. Never, ever, would you have plastic toys, pacifiers or share the bathroom with your children. Now that you are the happy, tired or fulfilled (delete as appropriate) mother of one or more children, you have revised your copy. After all, only fools never change their minds. Here is a review of the principles that have been abandoned with motherhood and a little guilt-free session for those who need it.
Carrying, not for me
“ My friend Margaux doesn't let go of her kid, she carries him all the time. You'd think this child couldn't walk because his mother carried him so much. But at the same time, her son is only 6 months old. ”
And then your baby arrived. The smell of his neck is the most divine in the world. Let's not talk about the warmth of his little body against yours. You know what I'm talking about. From a pragmatic point of view, the need to regain some freedom, your hands or to survive fevers, teething, GERD or growth spurts made you discover babywearing .
Finally, your friend Margaux is a genius.
Organic, fresh and seasonal on your plate
“The food industry can go get dressed. My child will only eat homemade, seasonal dishes.”
Well, that was before I realized that ordinary life is full of surprises. Finally, there are very good industrial organic compotes and purees that do not poison your child and make your life easier.
No screens before the age of three
“I have read all the studies on the harmfulness of screens. Never, ever, will the apple of my eye watch Paw Patrol and other filth.”
And then one day, everything went wrong from A to Z. The child was difficult and nothing calmed him down. You dreamed of 5 minutes just for you, just to breathe. The TV remote control made eyes at you. Your tablet sang like a siren. You cracked. He watched 10 minutes of cartoon. And your child will recover.
Lots of manual activities
“You know, having a little kid is a chance to rediscover my artistic side. In fact, my Pinterest boards are full of activities to do as a family. I can’t wait!”
The truth turns out to be a bit different. In the evening, after your work/metro/daycare or nanny schedule, the child is in tyrant mode and you are exhausted. And on the weekend? On the weekend, you don't feel like diving into DIY activities either, and that's perfectly OK.
Proximal parenting ? It's for hippies
“I will have a perfect balance between my life as a couple, as parents and as a social life. My baby will sleep in his room and I will sleep in mine. Each one has his own place. Too bad if he cries!”
Once again, your mother's instinct has allied itself with your reptilian brain, the one responsible for survival. Both have decreed that sleeping with baby in co-sleeping mode is very good to avoid getting up 5 times a night.
Never plastic toys
“Only beauty and design in my home, that’s my mantra!”
And then the birth gifts came along. Aunt Odette and her non-ecological streak didn't follow your list. You end up with this ugly plastic thing that is one of your child's favorite toys. Come on, in a few months, your baby will be tired of it and you will be able to find your designer toys again.
The pacifier sucks
“Pacifiers are ugly and useless.”
When you were told at the maternity ward that some babies cry because their need to suck is not being met, you immediately sent your partner to raid the pacifier section of the local pharmacy.
It’s your turn to tell us on Instagram about the main principles you thought you would follow when you became parents!
The Studio Romeo Team