Babies are the topic of this week's reader's question. I'd love for all you parents and grandparents to chime in with your answers, too!
As a mother and grandmother, what is the most important piece of advice that you would give to a brand new mommy-to-be?
This question comes at a perfect time for me, since my eldest daughter and her husband are expecting their first child this winter. (Aren't they an adorable family already?)
(Photo courtesy of Miranda Prusik)
I could rattle off a long list of helpful parenting tips for new and expectant moms and dads, but choosing "the most important piece of advice" requires more thought. So much goes into being a good parent that even the most effective parents can hardly accomplish it all.
But when I focus on what's most important, my answer boils down to two words: Be intentional.
Be intentional in nurturing your baby's physical needs.
Be intentional in nurturing your baby's emotional needs.
And perhaps most importantly, be intentional in nurturing your baby's spiritual needs.
Feed her body.
(Photo by Diana Prusk)
Feed her heart.
(Photo courtesy of Miranda Prusik)
Feed her soul.
(Photo courtesy of Steve Prusik)
I can't take credit for this advice, since it comes from scripture: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (KJV Proverbs 22:6).
And that "when he is old" part? Parents, hang on to those words. In some cases, it may take that long to see the fruits of your efforts.
Seasoned parents and grandparents, now it's your turn. Please share your wisdom with parents-to-be like my daughter and son-in-love in the comment section below. Help them prepare for that special delivery!
Speaking of delivery, I'm celebrating the release of my novel by that name: Delivery. On December 16, 2011, I'll announce the winner of my Share the Gift Double Kindle 3G Giveaway, just in time for Christmas. The contest closes to entries at midnight on December 14. That means if you enter daily, you have 68 more chances to win. What are you waiting for?
