How Can You Prepare to be a Great Parent?
When I was in my last trimester of pregnancy, I had a nightmare. I awakened in the middle of the night with tears running down my cheeks. I dreamed that my baby had been born and that I had forgotten to feed him. Later, when I became a student of psychology, I came to understand that this is a common dream for the expectant mother. The theory is that she is often feeling unprepared for motherhood – perceiving herself inadequate to be responsible for this precious, new life who will be completely dependent upon her. I remember the feeling – although, as I am sure is the case with most mothers, it did not start that way.
It starts out with excitement – with the call to bear life that will extend beyond her own. Eventually, however, the day comes when the woman realizes she is going to be a mother. Even if she has been planning for this moment, it becomes real…no longer an idea only to be enamored by. She recognizes that there is no fool proof way to prepare for the enormous responsibility she has taken on. So…she plans. She “nests”. She works on the details – wanting everything to be “just right”.
With seven more weeks before baby Ezzlyn arrives, Elizabeth shared that she has been in full preparedness mode – readying herself, with Taylor, for the arrival of their daughter. As Barbara Katz Rothman eloquently said of the gestational process, “Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers — strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength.” This precious little girl is to join the legacy of such women as the fourth generation, starting with her Great-Grandmother, Jeanette, her Grandmother, Tina, and of course, her mother, Elizabeth.
This little one will grow in the midst of love in a loving home. Maureen Hawkins explained the love for a child in this way: “Before you were conceived, I wanted you. Before you were born, I loved you. Before you were here an hour old, I would die for you. This is the miracle of Mother’s Love.” However, in watching Taylor and Elizabeth together, it is clear that Ezzlyn has two parents that already adore her. Ezzlyn will come to know that, soon enough, as she falls asleep to the sound of her mother and father reading Love You Forever by Robert Munsch and The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein - as Tina did with Elizabeth not so many years ago. I wonder which one – Taylor or Elizabeth - will be better at the voices…?
It is clear to me that Taylor and Elizabeth want to be great parents. How can they prepare? They just need to remember, “There are no perfect parents, and there are no perfect children, but there are plenty of perfect moments along the way.” ~ Dave Willis.
Thank you both for trusting me with this precious moment in your lives!
Blessings ~
Lisa