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by: Dr.NoelSwanson
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Act 1: The Exhilarating Thought

Becoming a mother is a natural instinct in every woman. Of course, one doesn't know when the biological clock starts ticking, urging you to have babies of your own, instead of fondling and cuddling other people's babies who look so cute. That's when you take the inevitable decision in spite of the tiresome chore called "making babies".

Stage 2: Conception and Birth

You know you have conceived when the familiar signs begin to show that include missing the period followed by morning sickness. You wonder how you will go through it, but when you feel the living presence inside, you know it is all worth it. The slight flutter turns into a kick, and you love it.

A few months later and you know all about those kicks - and the elbows. Plus backache, piles, swollen ankles, varicose veins - who was responsible for getting you into this state????

Then, you feel the time has come. You reach the hospital puffing and panting, totally oblivious of what lies in store. It seemed it will never be over, yet when it is, it appeared to be over in a jiffy. The excitement of a baby makes you forget the pain as though it never happened at all.

Phase 3: A first time for everything

Sleepless nights, sore nipples, dieting to lose all those extra pounds. Meanwhile, the little darling can do no wrong. Look! She smiles! And she has discovered her toes! I wonder if they really taste so good?

First time: sitting, crawling, standing, walking. First word, First solid food. First potty. First full blown, lie-on-the-floor-and-kick-the-feet tantrum. Each a major achievement to celebrate.

Unfortunately, the nursery rhymes and nursery stories that our mothers shared with us are now delegated to the TV, and that special bedtime bonding has become a thing of the past.

And suddenly it's time for the first play school. You send your child nicely scrubbed and dressed to school with mixed feelings - happy and worried.

Phase 4 Playgrounds, parties and alphabets.

Then your cuddly baby gets busy with friends in the school. What the teacher and friends say is gospel truth.

This is also the time when they enjoy cracking jokes with each other.

You see them find their first best friend, and you are there for them when the first rejection happens. You encourage them to play in spite of the scraped knees and you listen to their unfair complaints of the other not being fair.

You learn to let them go even though it is difficult - but you can't protect them from everything.

Stage 5 - Serious Schooling

The next stage is marked by learning the skills to read and write and to add up numbers. Some kids sail through it easily, while others have to struggle hard to learn. You begin to notice individual differences among kids. For some parents this stage is long and arduous while others find it exciting and enjoyable.

Just focus on the little events that will become pleasant memories, and for heaven's sake, do not compare your child with other's children. Each child is unique.

This is the time to teach discipline to your child because he is no longer a little baby.

Phase 6 - Pre-teens and Puberty

Now, the difference between girls and boys becomes apparent. They all go through the phase of discovering changes in their body yet girls will be giggly and boys more cool.

Clothes. You are just SO out of date mom! No one wears that anymore! And why should it matter if my pants are hanging down by my knees? Mom, these clothes are too small!

Language. Well cool.

Help her through her first bra, her first period, her lipstick and makeup, her awkwardness and so on.

Stage 7 - Dates and Parties

The seventh stage is when the boys and girls are not so alien after all. They are drawn to each other.

Before you know where the time went you will see your little girl telling you that you know nothing. Indeed, you seem to live in a different world in an era long past.

It's friends who matter and your relevance takes the back seat. There will be conflict of opinion; don't lose your cool. And, above all, don't recount what you've done for her. Be patient and pleasant. Be firm but try and understand her point of view and help her deal with peer pressure.

The good thing is that now your child is a new young adult and you can have a refreshing conversation with her. Make sure you don't sermonize.

Then, as suddenly as it had come, the period of turbulent adolescence is over. There is calm after the storm. You meet your young adult, a complete human being full of dreams and ideals but a bit short on confidence and wisdom.

Phase 8 (well, who said I could count?)

So they've left home - but they are still your little darlings. Your worries and hopes for them continue.

You repeat the words Robert Munsch said, "I'll love you, forever. I'll like you, for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."

The years will pass so quickly. Make the most of every one of them along the way.

About the Author

Dr. Noel Swanson writes frequently for Yes Parenting website and also has a free newsletter with heaps of expert parenting advice.

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