From the time that little baby is placed in a woman’s arms, she is expected to know everything she needs to know about caring for a child from pure instinct. Any new scientific developments can be learned from books. But when you are in the trenches, it is pretty clear that there are a lot of situations that can come up that leave you bewildered. Having a mom mentor can be a wonderful means of support and reassurance.
What is a mom mentor?
A mom mentor is a mom who may be slightly older or at least has a few more years of experience as a mom than you do yourself. You want a mom mentor who isn’t too far removed from raising children today, since so many things can change in the span of one generation to the next. Back when I was a baby, for example, nursing your child was seen as unsanitary and unhealthy, and putting your child to sleep on his belly was seen to reduce the chance of crib death. Of course we know differently now.
How can a mom mentor help?
A mom mentor has likely heard it all or has experienced it all herself and can offer advice and reassurance on the day to day issues that are involved with raising a child. She can discuss the color of baby poop in detail and assure you that the rash or your baby’s body is not scarlet fever. She can talk about getting a child to take a nap and what to do if your preschooler starts talking back. A mom mentor has been there, so she understands in a way that your spouse, your pediatrician or even your own parents may not.
Where can your find a mom mentor?
Mom mentors can be anywhere. You may find one through your church, through a moms group or even at the playground. You can usually spot her by her watchful but calm demeanor. While she isn’t perfect, she will generally have a good sense of what works well for her kids, and she may be willing to share.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.
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