Toss the Parenting How-To Books: Here Are the Real Milestones for Parents of Young Kids

When my daughter turned two, I started to panic.

I had read every parenting book on the market, hung on every word of every mom blogger, and scoured every online forum for advice. But despite my best efforts, my daughter still wasn't hitting the milestones that the books said she should be hitting.

Then one day, as my daughter was happily playing with her toys, I watched her pick up a spoon and start to stir an imaginary bowl of soup. It hit me then that I had been so focused on the what that I had missed the how. While I had been worried about whether my daughter was speaking enough words or walking soon enough, I had missed all of the incredible ways she was growing and learning every day.

If you're a parent of a young child, you know how overwhelming it can be to try to meet all of the supposed milestones that are out there. So, instead of worrying about the "should bes," let's take a look at the real milestones of parenthood.

Real Milestone #1: Enjoying the Journey

When we become parents, there's a lot of pressure to get everything right. We read about the right way to discipline, the right way to feed, and the right way to teach our kids new skills. But the truth is that there is no "right" way. Every family is different, and every child is different. So instead of worrying about doing everything perfectly, focus on enjoying the journey.

This means taking the time to soak up all of the little moments that make parenting so special. It means laughing at the silly things your child says, playing games together, and snuggling up for bedtime stories. It means letting go of the pressure to be perfect and realizing that all your child really needs is your love and attention.

Real Milestone #2: Celebrating Progress, Not Perfection

As parents, we hear a lot about the "milestones" that our children should be hitting. We read about when they should start talking, when they should start walking, and when they should start using the potty. But the truth is that every child will reach these milestones at their own pace.

So instead of stressing about whether your child is doing everything "on time," focus on celebrating their progress. This means taking notice of all of the little things that your child is learning and accomplishing every day. Maybe your child has started singing their ABCs or is able to put on their own shoes. Whatever it is, take the time to celebrate and acknowledge their achievements.

Real Milestone #3: Taking Care of Yourself

Parenting is a full-time job, and it can be easy to get so caught up in taking care of your child that you forget to take care of yourself. But the truth is that you can't be the best parent you can be if you're not taking care of your own needs.

This means making time for self-care, whether it's taking a yoga class, going for a walk, or even just taking a long, hot bath. It means getting enough sleep, eating well, and making time for hobbies and interests that make you happy.

Remember that taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it's essential to being the best parent you can be.

Conclusion

Parenting can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. By focusing on the real milestones of parenthood – enjoying the journey, celebrating progress, and taking care of yourself – you can create a more fulfilling and rewarding parenting experience. So, toss out the parenting how-to books, trust your instincts, and enjoy the ride!

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Article Category:

Parenting, self-care, child development