When I’m in doubt, I learn…
“Here’s a list of everything you need to know to become a parent.” Said no one who spoke the truth. Becoming a parent has been a journey like no other. It's a role for which there's no definitive guidebook. The world is awash with parenting information, often conflicting and overwhelming. I’lll explore the abundance of parenting advice in a few posts within this blog. On this specific post, I’ll share why I think that seeking knowledge is crucial.
During my wife's pregnancy, I immersed myself in about eight books, listened to three audiobooks, attended three classes, and scoured the internet for endless baby and parenting information. Now, I can't recite the specifics from those books, but that's perfectly fine. My goal was never to memorize every detail but to acquire knowledge. That knowledge ultimately translated into confidence—the very thing every new parent craves when they suddenly realize they're stepping into the unknown world of parenting.
It's perfectly natural to be apprehensive when you don't have all the answers. If you're not a little scared, you're likely fooling yourself. The truth is, you know very little. Sure, you can recall tidbits from friends and family who have children, but that pales in comparison to the reality of caring for a brand-new human being for the first time. Step one is acknowledging your ignorance, and step two is embarking on a journey of learning and preparation.
I chose to read books because that's how I learn best and enjoy the most. However, reading books isn't the only way. My wife, for example, doesn't enjoy reading as much as I do. She prefers seeking information online and from other mothers. The key is to find the method that suits you best, all with the aim of becoming informed and preparing for what lies ahead.
Remember, the goal isn't to become an expert. As mentioned earlier, there's a surplus of information, and it can often contradict itself. What you learn today might become outdated in a few years. Nevertheless, delving into this information yields three significant benefits: it reinforces the idea that no one is an infallible expert and that each child is unique, it provides a foundational knowledge base that proves invaluable, and most importantly, it bolsters your confidence. Mistakes are inevitable, but confidence ensures you'll always strive to do your best and continuously improve.
You're not alone on this journey. No one truly possesses all the answers when it comes to raising a child. The distinguishing factor is the dedication to learning and growing as a parent every day, throughout your child's entire life.
I've quantified the resources I explored while awaiting the birth of my child, but this is just the beginning. There's an ocean of knowledge out there waiting to be discovered. As I continue on this parenting journey, I'll undoubtedly uncover more resources.