Parenting
The 8 Archetypes of Experienced Parents Every New Parent Encounters
by Kelly Thompson
Updated: March 4, 2021
Originally Published: Aug. 28, 2015
The daunting reality of becoming a parent is the overwhelming uncertainty that comes with it. In your quest for guidance, reassurance, and camaraderie, you’ll inevitably turn to seasoned parents—those who have navigated the early days of parenthood and can offer insights on everything from nursing techniques to assembling a co-sleeper. However, not all seasoned parents provide the support you might hope for. Below, we explore the eight archetypes of experienced parents that new parents often meet.
- The Insightful Grandparent: Often a grandparent or older relative, this parent claims to possess an uncanny ability to understand the infant’s needs. They will confidently inform you about what your baby “really wants” at the most inconvenient times, such as when they are ready to hand the baby back after holding them for too long. If their advice goes unheeded, they may resort to acting like the next type of parent on this list.
- The Baby Mimicker: This parent has a penchant for engaging in baby talk, adopting the persona of your child. When your newborn cries, they might exaggerate the situation by remarking, “I’m hungwy! I need somefing to eat!” It can be challenging to express frustration toward this parent since it often feels like you would be directing your annoyance toward your own child instead. Well played, Baby Mimicker.
- The Fraternity Hazing Parent: This individual relishes in the idea of making new parents feel overwhelmed. Whether you express exhaustion during pregnancy or after your baby arrives, they will remind you that things will only get tougher, often sharing exaggerated tales of sleepless nights that make your situation seem trivial.
- The Forgetful Parent: Often an older sibling or someone with school-aged children, this parent has seemingly forgotten the essentials of caring for a newborn. While they may want to help, their approach can be awkward—holding the baby as if it might explode. Their sudden recollection of parenting knowledge, however, may lead to panicked admissions of previously forgotten techniques.
- The “In My Day” Parent: This archetype tends to be from an older generation and often has a selective memory when it comes to parenting norms. They might dismiss modern safety practices while reminiscing about their own experiences, conveniently forgetting the risks that were prevalent in their time. Their eyebrow raises when you apply sunscreen to your child, as they remark, “In my day, we didn’t worry about that!”
- The Sneaky Snack Parent: This parent is a mystery. After a visit, your child might return with an upset stomach and an unusual story about what they ate—usually a concoction of sugary treats that would make any health-conscious parent cringe. When questioned, this parent will deflect blame, claiming they sensed your child needed a little indulgence.
- The Overly Cautious Bystander: Often a stranger in a public space, this parent feels compelled to point out every potential danger your child might encounter. Their concerns, though couched in care, can come off as judgmental, suggesting you are not adequately supervising your child.
- The Helping Hand: The shining star among seasoned parents, this individual brings over a warm meal, tends to household chores, and offers to watch the baby while you take a moment for yourself. They provide a listening ear for your worries about sleep deprivation and recovery while genuinely helping to ease your burden.
With any luck, new parents will have only brief encounters with the first seven types, while fostering a meaningful relationship with the Helping Hand, who can be invaluable during this transition. For more insights on parenting and fertility, explore resources like Medical News Today and check out Home Insemination Kit for essential tools. You can also read about other parenting topics at Intracervical Insemination.
Summary: This article identifies eight distinct types of experienced parents that new parents may encounter, ranging from supportive to overbearing. The Helping Hand stands out as the most beneficial, providing genuine support during the challenging early days of parenthood.