Never forget to listen

Flickr: wsimmons

Ok, I think this one might be a soap box stander. Many of my friends and peers are beginning their families. I’ve been in the game for a while so I’m totally looking forward to mine all leaving for college. I find that I have been the only person for many of these women AND men that has been truly honest about those first few years of parenthood. Yeah, you have people talking about the woman’s hormonal changes in the first few weeks and laughing about not sleeping at night but no one is telling people that it is ok to feel whatever is in their heart.

This is a totally confusing time for most. No matter how long they have been adults they are just becoming parents. We live in a society that shuns the idea that parents may not be in love with their children the day they come home. Maybe they feel they love their precious new gift more than their significant other, or that they are resentful because there won’t be anymore random sex in the house for 20 years (or ever again). This is where the hard part begins. New parents are really learning who they are. As they go through this process, be there to listen, not judge as they experience a wide range of feelings. Let them feel comfortable coming to you in their time of need. As a parent I know the stressors, while I may not feel the same thing that another feels, I can understand.

Short story shorter, support these guys in this life altering event. You may help someone relieve some stress, save a relationship or even save a life.