I know NOTHING about kids... do most first time parents take classes or something? I haven't held a baby in years. I used to love kids, and then something clicked in me that made me hate them.. but every once in awhile my motherly instinct kicks in and I want one. I'm so scared of them! What do new parents do? (Asking my parents for help is not an option)
2006-12-13 12:10:41 · 14 answers · asked by two_kee_kees 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
A lot of areas have parenting classes available, either through a community college or a hospital, that you can take. There are also thousands upon thousands of books and internet resources available with information on every aspect of pregnancy and child care. A lot of people will tell you that your instincts kick in and you know what to do once the baby is there, and a lot of that is actually true. I recently had my first child and my parents and I are estranged. I also have no siblings and none of my friends have children, so I was in a situation like yours. I took parenting classes at the hospital where my son was born and they were very informative. Hope that helps!
2006-12-13 12:15:12 · answer #1 · answered by midweekmidmorning 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot of parenting classes that you could take. However, I feel that a lot of people don't know anything about kids or have even been around them, but when you have them your motherly instincts kick in and you know exactly what to do (most of the time)
2006-12-13 20:28:19 · answer #2 · answered by Garrett's Mommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Listen I was the same way but I have two kids now and I wouldn't change a thing. It is normal to feel that way. Everything changes when they are YOUR kids and being a mother is instinct. If you have a baby your instinct will kick in and you will get to know your baby and how to read him or her. You learn a lot from other parents along the way too. And anything that you just can't figure out your doctors and pediatricians will be able to help you with it. I was scared to death with my first I thought ok it will have milk fot the first year but then what do I feed her. When I got to that stage I relaxed then you think what happens when she starts and you face it and get through it. What terrifies me is when they become teenagers. Don't be scared of being a mom...when you are ready for it it will be the best experience of your life. All of us are scared at the beginning but you do your best love them and teach them and everything will be ok.
2006-12-13 20:19:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When your time comes, either by birth or adoption, your maternal instinct and vast knowledge will just kick in. My first child was through adoption, she was 11 months old. My husband was the Diaper Ninja and Super Dad... a few days into the arrival, everything kicked in with me, and I obtained all this "knowing" from wherever moms get it. I always wanted to be a mom, but I'm short and squatty enough, and in learning what an "episiotomy" was... I decided that adoption was the way I'd rather go. When it's the right time for you, you will just know.
2006-12-13 20:18:10 · answer #4 · answered by ihave5katz 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
since you sound young, being scared of babies is a good thing for now.
after you get married in the distant future, and you and your husband decide to have kids, then take some classes at a nearby hospital or planned parenthood.
to answer your question, sometimes new parents DON'T know what they are doing, and they learn as they go. the one thing to remember, the baby is just as frustrated as the parents are! it can't tell you what it wants, all it can do is cry.
2006-12-13 20:22:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
omg! You're normal! And thank god that you are scared. At least you're thinking very seriously about such an important step in life. At least you don't see children as an extension of that cute, fun, huggable, little dolly that you played with as a little girl that, as a parent, you can't throw into the closet when you're done playing with it.... It is very admirable of you to consider taking a parenting class. Yes, do everything you can to make sure that you are ready, emotionally, mentally, physically and financially to have a child and, if the day comes that you choose to have a child, it sounds like you will be well-informed and ready and will make a great mom!
2006-12-13 20:21:26 · answer #6 · answered by Venice Girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well Look I am not to sure. What i do know is that i Just found out that i am having a baby. I am only 19. I dint have any family. But i am doing it all on my own. it is not that herd.. It is scary but i a doing it.. So i can tell you that it is a big joy for anyone to find out that thy are having a baby. So just wait and you will have so much fun.... If you wont one and you fill like you can support them then. Your on a good track.. Need any more help then E-mail me
2006-12-13 20:30:55 · answer #7 · answered by Baby Gurl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh man...your question is like hearing myself!! You just summed up EXACTLY how I felt before I had my daughter!
Listen, I don't care what anyone says, you don't have to be good with babies or children to be a good parent. I used to be excellent with both, but one day, (just like you said) I just sort of lost my ability to relate to them. Now that I have my daughter (3 months old), it's like it 'clicked' back! As sooooon as she was born, I looked at my husband and the first words out of my mouth were, "The fear is gone." It's TRUE! And I'm proud to be one of the best, most attentive, most caring mommies out there (I'm not tooting my own horn, I'm just proud to be a good mommy to my daughter).
As far as classes, there are some parenting classes out there, but honey, I swear, you won't need them. Of course, you WILL have questions...we all do. But most of the time, your instincts will kick in and you will be a wonderful parent.
I can tell you're a reseacher because you're asking this question. I'm the same way....if I want to know, I hop onto the internet and search my brains out. That's what I did the entire time I was pregnant...searched basic baby care websites and got the info I thought I needed. My baby's doctor also gives me all the answers to my questions, such as how much she should be eating, whether or not I should let her sleep in my bed, and so on. Pediatritians (if you can find a good one) are excellent resources...not just for the health of your baby, but for the basic care and well being of your baby.
So, I guess the moral of the story is (after my VERY wordy anwer-sorry) .... You will be JUST FINE! Just the fact that you're asking this question shows that you will be a caring and attentive mommy one day.
Again, I'm sorry about the wordiness of my answer, I just can't believe how much you sound just like me!
Take care and best of luck!!!
2006-12-13 20:28:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all new parents take classes. But if you feel the way you do they do have parenting classes for you take. They help!! you can also read books and magazines. I have 4 children and I work with them. They are truly a blessing!!
2006-12-13 20:19:12 · answer #9 · answered by Shampaine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mostly we READ READ READ especially the free Baby Talk magazines you find at any baby store. http://www.babycenter.com has great tips and information. Go back to when you "loved" kids. No need for classes, just lots of love, instincts, arming yourself with information, and prayer. By the way, if you really HATE them, please... please... don't change your mind. They will make you crazy and love seems not enough even on good days sometimes. Think think think. Blessings!
2006-12-13 20:32:35 · answer #10 · answered by Sleek 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was the same way until I get my own two years ago.I always said that I don't want kids until I married but God had another plan for me.Its normal to feel the way you feeling towards kids but after you have a child its a whole different feeling. You will feel the you love you have for that child can't possibly felt that way about anyone else except your mother.Children are a joy to to have.
2006-12-13 20:19:39 · answer #11 · answered by Vilady5 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋