Happy Mother’s Day
What first-time parent couldn’t use a little help when it comes to raising a child? To make the child-rearing process a bit easier, these County parents offer tips that have worked for them and may help others through the wondrous experience of parenting.
“My heart goes out to the mothers/parents of today. It’s a hard job. It wasn’t easy by any means when we raised families, but in my older age I think there is encouragement. It is so much easier being a grandparent. The years have made us more patient, accepting and, I think, open-minded,” said Norma McEntee, of Presque Isle.
Sue McPherson, of Westfield, said as a new mom she found a wealth of information in books and from other moms.
“I read every book I could get my hands on on the subject of parenting. I was a member of the La Leche League, a group of breastfeeding moms from the Houlton area, and learned a lot from those ladies. The group was started by some moms who at that time were into the back-to-the-land movement — for lack of a better word, ‘hippie generation’ — and were into all the latest information on family, natural foods and raising their children to seek knowledge. They were the beginnings of the home-school generation,” said McPherson.
McPherson said the group encouraged children to ask questions and seek knowledge and explore the world around them and express love to others.
“The interaction of the children with their mothers and fathers and extended family — grandmas and grandpas — were considered the same as their parents. I was privileged to be able to stay home with my children. My ex was a farmer and my girls had that exposure to three generations. Everyone had a part in how they turned out,” said McPherson.
Respect is key, according to Christa Galipeau, of Presque Isle.
“My advice is expect your children to behave and respect others. The best way to do this is to model this behavior for them. Take them with you to the store, restaurant, movies, plays, etc. so they can see the proper way to behave in all these situations,” said Galipeau.
Steve Boddy, of Washburn, said special drinks can help calm a child.
“To stop a baby from crying, get the gripe water from a store in Canada. It does wonders,” said Boddy.
Traci Stone, of Presque Isle, offered a top-10 list of suggestions for first-time parents.
“My first suggestion involves getting kids to eat new foods. Tell them to try everything at least once. Tell them if they don’t like it, they’ll never have to eat it again. Stick to that promise. It will help in the future to get kids to try new foods and encourages them, knowing they won’t have to eat something again they don’t like. Forcing kids to eat food is never a good thing,” she said.
Stone’s second suggestion is to keep lavender and chamomile bath salts or tea or air mists handy. It can help relieve the pain of a headache, or help a child/parent breath during a cold.
Third, she said it’s important to keep a plentiful supply of bandages on hand.
“Fourth, keep stocked with ‘magic water.’ When a child is sick or not feeling great and is a bit dehydrated, tell them you have some magic water that will make it all better. Bring them a cup of water with a spoon in it, stir it as you walk to them to make it look like you put something magical in it. When they ask what’s in it, just tell them it’s a secret and that the magic will fix whatever is wrong,” said Stone.
Reading is a life-long gift you can give your child, according to Stone.
“When they get to a reading stage, encourage them to read anything and everything! As a teacher once told my mom and I when I was younger, as long as a child is reading, it shouldn’t matter what it is that they are reading — comics are reading too,” she said.
As a child gets older, sharing in household responsibilities need not be a bad thing.
“When they are older, make chores fun. Don’t make it boring and a punishment. Make them feel like they are helping and appreciated. As they grow, it will make a huge difference to you and to them when they are grown and gone,” said Stone.
It’s often hard to tell how serious a child’s illness is, but Stone said don’t hesitate to call a doctor.
“Don’t be afraid to call the doctor, even if it’s just a sniffle. Doctors are there to help us. You won’t look foolish coming in freaking out about a scratch or a cough. They’ve seen it all. They can help you through whatever it is,” she said.
Eighth, it’s important to make time for making memories.
“Remember to spend lots of time with your kids. Make time for them at every opportunity. Someday, they’ll be grown and gone and you’ll look back and wish you had more time with them,” said Stone.
Stone said buying store brand can save you money.
“Don’t be afraid of store-brand ‘stuff.’ You’ll thank me later. A penny saved now may be the difference between that jar of baby food or whipping something up that is unfamiliar. Save while expecting or before — set aside a little ‘nest egg’ to grow and fall back on,” she said.
Rounding out her list, Stone said setting aside a little personal time is important too.
“Make time for you. Every day, find even five minutes to step aside, breath deep, clear your head and re-group. Whether it be a shower or a nice warm bath, or the walk to the mailbox, make the time to be with yourself or even with your significant other. Make sure that your relationship with you and the other parent is as strong as it is with your child. As mother and father, you both need your own strength to be strong for your child, so make time for you,” said Stone.
