Did u find any books particularly helpful. I really want to know fom those who were brought up abroad wat did ur parents get right? And wat u wished they had done better.
TIA
Re: What did you do to prepare for parenthood?
I read a lot of books. I loved "The happiest baby on the block" :) It has a lot of advice on how to soothe an infant and was so helpful. Most of the things in the book really works.
I was brought up abroad and somehow my parents thought that by forbidding me to do what my friends were doing (going to the mall, the cinemas, friends party's) would turn me into a good ghareloo larki. It only made me go without telling them :p Minus the partying I went to the mall with my friends and to the movies ... and I turned out fine. I think parents who raise kids abroad need to give them a little freedom as well. Grounding them and not letting them do things that all their friends are doing will only isolate them from society and effect their personalities.
Re: What did you do to prepare for parenthood?
^ i used the shushing and swaying technique all the time with the kid and it worked SO well. he still calms down if i shush him loudly.
i started reading what to expect but it freaked me out, so i stopped. i read up things on baby center a lot and i spoke to my friends with kids to get their opinions/advice/perspective on things. you're not really going to know what its like until you become a parent, and even then, half of it is guesswork and the other half is luck!
also, everything wendy said about being raised abroad. you have to trust your children, and your own parenting, and let them do what they do within limits. ok, don't let your 15 year old stay out past midnight, but don't expect them to be home at 7 either. its not realistic, it will isolate them, and they'll end up rebelling. its better to foster an environment of open communication than a dictatorship. your kids will grow up one day and have their own likes and preferences, respect them. give them the benefit of the doubt.
I didn't read a lot of books but I observed. I even looked back and saw and analysed what my parents did and how it affected me and my siblings.
I also prayed and still pray a lot to Allah to help me raise good Muslims. And to make me a good mother.
Parenthood is not easy, but when Allah gives you awlaad he also gives you qualities needed to bear all that comes with the territory
Re: What did you do to prepare for parenthood?
Did u guys ever find difficulty in fitting in? What things were your friends allowed to do that you wish u could too? How were the teenage years?
Re: What did you do to prepare for parenthood?
And is there anyway to change the thread title. I actually wanted to know abt parenthood abroad.