Welcoming a new addition to the family can be a transformative experience. This tiny being, delicate and precious, often brings forth a wave of emotions and awe. The sight of a newborn, with its tiny fingers and soft hair, can evoke a deep sense of love and wonder in older siblings, as evidenced by my daughter, who gazes at her new sibling with wide eyes filled with admiration.
“Mama, look! She’s opening her eyes! Mama, look! She’s moving her fingers!” my daughter exclaims, clearly enchanted by the little one.
It’s a reminder of how far she has come—my once-tiny baby now a confident six-year-old with vibrant curls, a knack for reading, and a spirit full of energy. She asks me, “Mama, can you teach me how to care for a baby?”
“Are you asking for now?” I reply, amused.
“No, when I’m older and ready to have my own baby. When I’m a mama.”
Then, she poses a question that strikes a chord within me: “Who taught you how to be a mama?”
In that moment, I am transported back to the days when I cradled her as an infant. Those memories flood my mind—sitting beside her crib, counting her breaths, comforting her through her colicky cries, and eventually witnessing her first steps. My own mother passed away before I embarked on my journey into motherhood, and I often longed for her guidance during those early days.
Yet, other remarkable women stepped in to offer their wisdom, particularly my mother-in-law, who provided invaluable support and advice during that challenging first year. “Swaddle her like this,” she would say, sharing techniques from her own experiences.
Throughout the ups and downs, it became clear that the most important teacher in my parenting journey was not an external figure but rather my daughter herself. She showed me how to nurture her, how to soothe her when she cried, and how to celebrate her achievements, however small.
“Sweet girl,” I said, “you are the one who has taught me so much about being your mother. In time, when you become a mother, you’ll find that your own child will impart the same lessons to you.”
For those interested in exploring more about the journey of parenthood, check out our other blog posts, such as this one that delves into the importance of preparation in the process. Additionally, if you’re seeking reliable resources for your fertility journey, you might find this site helpful. For those contemplating assisted reproductive options, Healthline offers excellent insights into IVF and related topics.
In summary, parenting is not merely about following a set of instructions; it’s about the profound relationship between a parent and child. Each experience is a lesson, and as parents, we learn from our children just as much as we teach them.