As a first-time parent, we often enter parenthood with preconceived notions about how we will handle it. We think we know what to expect and how to deal with every situation. But motherhood and fatherhood are not simple, and our understanding of it is limited. It’s like learning to drive a car; no matter how many manuals you read, you eventually have to get behind the wheel and experience it first hand. Similarly, no matter how much we read or how many parenting classes we attend, parenting is a field that requires hands-on experience to master.

The moment we become a parent, we are thrust into a world where everything we ever knew will be challenged. We will encounter situations that we never thought possible, and experience emotions we never knew existed. The experience of being a parent is a mix of happy moments, anxiety, and exhaustion that one can hardly put into words. And then comes the realization that all our preconceived notions and beliefs about raising a child might not hold much weight in real life.

Becoming a parent for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. We’re always reading baby books, subscribing to websites, watching videos, and tuning in to every parenting advice from friends and relatives, hoping nothing will catch us by surprise. However, what we forget is that every child is unique; every parent-child relationship is unique, and there’s no manual that can predict the course of parenting. There’s no fool-proof plan, no correct way of doing things. Every day is a new challenge, a new experience, and a new opportunity to learn.

One of the biggest lessons I learned as a first-time parent was how to breastfeed. Even though we are taught the importance of breastfeeding, its benefits, and its mechanics, it was something that was difficult to get right. It takes time to learn the right techniques, and you must keep at it until you’re sure you’ve got it down. The first few weeks were demanding, and frequent latch mistakes led to sore and painful nipples. However, once the latch was corrected, it was a moment of great relief for both mother and child.

Parenting demands selflessness, patience, and unconditional love. Sleep becomes a scarce commodity, and the first three months are the hardest because the baby is gradually adjusting to life outside the womb, and we are adjusting to taking care of them. It’s also a period of great physical and emotional changes for new mothers, who are still recovering from the physical demands of childbirth. During this time, it’s essential to be kind to ourselves and to seek support from family, friends, and professionals.

We often worry about our parenting techniques, whether our child is developing at the right pace, or whether we’re feeding them right. It’s essential to remember that no matter how challenging parenting can be, we are not alone. Many parents have gone through these challenges, and there’s always someone who has gone through what we are experiencing.

Finally, we need to remind ourselves that children are stronger than we realize. They are resilient, and they will adapt, adjust, heal and grow. We need to trust the process of life, and let them be. We must capture these childhood memories through photographs, videos or diaries which will help us cherish their childhood for years to come.

In Conclusion, becoming a parent is the most significant change in anyone’s life, and it’s a rollercoaster ride. We may think we have our lives together, but when a baby comes into the picture, everything changes. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, take a break, and prioritize self-care. There’s no one right way of doing things, and every child and parent is unique. Be kind to yourself and your child, observe, learn, adjust and embrace the journey of raising a child.