Parenting Reflection
Hi dads, this will be my last post before we leave next week. I would like to take some time to reflect a little bit about my experience with Roma. I would like to start off by saying that I am so grateful to have been given a beautiful child. I love Roma and am so happy that she is a part of my life.
After my wife gave birth she left for Paris and never came back, leaving Roma and I alone. At first I thought it would be easy and I would pick up parenting quickly, but it was difficult. Roma as a newborn cried a ton and it started to drive me crazy. I could never go anywhere or do anything, she also had to be fed every 3 hours which was a huge pain in the butt. After the first year things became easier. She was able to crawl around, she ate less and conformed to my living pattern more. From age 3 till present day I could not be more happy and proud of her. She is learning well and starting to figure out the world. She is always curious and is always looking to engage herself in something.
So far the most valuable lessons I have learned are to give your child time, and encourage them to figure things out. At first when Roma couldn’t do things I became frustrated because other kids could do them. But after listening and reading about it I realized all children have their own pace that they are comfortable with. It is important not to push them or force them into anything because they will eventually figure it out. They may need some help, which is completely fine, but you should never push them beyond their limit. Be patient, they are a creation of nature, and nature always figures it out. One other lesson I learned is to be there for your child. When Roma was first born I always wanted to go out and do things, but I just couldn’t. At the moment it was frustrating but I am so glad I spent as much time with her while she was developing as possible. It helped us bond and form an attachment that she won’t have with anyone else. You won’t regret it.
Although it was difficult I had a strong attachment to my child. I feel like having a real baby would be infinitely more challenging. I became tired carrying her around all day to all of my classes and I almost forgot her multiple times. I would like to have a child sometime in my life, however not as a teen or in the next few years of my life. I feel like you should be ready and settled. Babies are definitely not an easy task.
That's it for me, Adios and goodbye.