Working with what we got
A common misconception new parents encounter is that they have to have it all together before the baby comes. There is lots to be said for having it all together, and I congratulate those who do, but there is no law or rule out there that says you must. You have more at your disposal then you think.
When it comes to communication, its one of those natural things that we don’t have to think twice about. But throwing a baby in the mix it can sometimes seem as if you are talking to an alien. So when expecting there is no gadget you need to buy, just some extra navigation! And yes, that’s where I come in, but I’m not here to re-invent the wheel. My job is to work with what you already have to make sure that communication between all of you is unified.
So what do you already have to get started on your communication journey? You have a language, you and your SO share a space, where you need to communicate together to live each day. That’s a foundation! This communication is going to be the first block your baby will lean on to form his/her own communication.
You also have a goal. This is the motivation you need to keep going each day. Communication doesn’t happen overnight, and sometimes it takes a few avenues to figure out what works. But this goal, to have a wholistic approach on how to communicate effectively with your baby will take you far. It will help so much more then any book (or blog) on the hardest of days.
One more thing you have at your disposal is support. And one of the great things about support is that we as humans are ingrained to help others. So I encourage you to discuss your goals to others; grandparents, siblings, even neighbors and close friends. This is a wonderful thing about us, we naturally want to help. We are caring, loving creatures at heart, and want to see others happy as well. So you should never feel alone.
I hope this gives all those expecting parents out there a little encouragement. You may not have all the fancy gadgets for the new baby, or feel like you’ve read enough books about parenting, but you know what, you are doing great. You are the most perfect parents for your little bundle of joy, and I cant wait to work with and watch you grow as a family.
