All Parent Should Listen To Advice
My little baby. I remember when I was pregnant with him. Every month was new and exciting while I watched my belly grow.I had so many crazy thoughts about pregnancy.
One day comes to mind. I was in the car with my husband and sister in law. We were talking about something, I haven't the slightest remembrance over the topic anymore, and it was getting heated. All the sudden I started yelling, telling them to be careful what they were saying in front of my unborn child. I didn't want all of this negativity in front of him!
Wow... Like my child could actually understand a word we said. I'm so grateful they gave me such grace and didn't just laugh in my face. Luckily I have very loving family who puts up with my crazy.
As new parents, my husband and I had so many ideas about parenting. We thought being in youth and children's ministry made us pros. We planned on raising perfect children, since we had it all figured out.
It didn't take us too long to realize we actually knew nothing about having a little baby.
It doesn't matter how much you think you know, even after five kids. There is always something to learn about raising kids. Each child is different and children go through different seasons.
If we would have remained the know it all parents, our kids would be completely screwed up by now. One thing I love about Indian families is their the village raises the child mentality. You're not ever on your own. All of your pinnis (aunts), mamas (uncles), and parents teach you what they've learned and give you advice. They've taught us so much about raising kids.
If I could give you new or seasoned parents advice, it would be to ask for and be open to advice from others. You don't have to listen to everything, but at least hear them out.
Make sure you're only asking people if you actually want their advice. I try to only ask my close friends and family.
You don't have to know everything there is to know about raising children. Accept help and advice from the people you love and respect.
Share the best piece of parenting you've received from a love one on my facebook page, tag me @almstindianwife, or on Instagram with the #almostindianwife
Our Children's First Haircuts
Levi's hair. Oh Levi's hair. It's beautiful. It's luscious.
I prayed for that curly hair. Not that I expect it to work for baby number three... Although I am trying.
Most parents pray for their kids to be born with a full head of hair. We definitely don't have a chance of anything but thick, dark hair. I had it when I was born and well have you have seen an Indian baby without hair? I think not.
Hence why I was so surprised when Joel's mom asked if we were going to shave his head. Do what!?
Apparently it's very common to shave your baby's head (boys and girls) for their first haircut. Some Hindu families even have a ceremony. This tradition changed depending on religion and the region you are from in India.
The biggest part of the first haircut that is so important to Joel's family is the fact that it's a big first! It's also said to make their hair grow back thicker and fuller. The common practice with my culture and Joel's culture is that we all like to keep a little lock of babies hair from the first haircut.
I try to be open minded on all of the new traditions. I want our kids to take part in so many of them. I was hesitant when she wanted us to do it with Liam, but willing. We ended up not all being together for his first haircut and Joel and I decided to just give Liam a trim.
When Levi was born, I was so excited to see his curly hair. We decided to let him keep his hair long and trim it when he starts getting the "Oh what a cute girl," comments. We've cut it dozens and dozens of times, but usually keep it the same length. Joel's mom mentioned cutting it a few times. Then it happened. She fell in love with his hair too!!! Then she even said we will never cut his hair. She even went as far as to say his personality is in his hair!
We're contemplating changing his name to Samson.
One day we will actually cut his hair. Not trim, but cut. That day is not today. It's far from now. Until then I'll just smile when grocers call him princess and flight attendants call him a little girl. I'm so used to it that I don't even correct them now!!! Is that bad? I know he looks nothing like a little girl and that's enough for me.