List of Don'ts

When I moved to England, almost nine years ago, I came up with the idea to write a list of things that I wouldn't want to do one day as a parent. You know those things that you really don't like about your own parents and their behaviour, and you promise yourself you'll never do it as a parent? Well, my concern is that I will forget one day and will end up acting exactly the same way. Anyway, eight years and a half later and I haven't written that list yet. 

However, I have now come up with another list. A list of things that I want to try to avoid when Baby O finally comes, things that I see other parents or grandparents doing and that I really don't like. I know my mind will go blank as soon as our little girl arrives and that most probably I will end up doing and saying these things anyway, but if I have this list to go back to, hopefully I will take it into consideration and remind myself what used to bother me before I became a full-time mum, devoted to our little princess! So here we go:

1. Do not ALWAYS and ONLY talk about your baby. Surely there must be other interesting topics of conversation, otherwise how would have you survived until now? 

2. Do not be a fool and think your baby is the -EST: best, nicest, biggest, smallest, tallest, shortest, fattest, funniest, smartest...and the list goes on an on!

3. Do not complain if she doesn't sleep enough, eat enough, talk yet, walk yet, is clean and potty trained yet...She is just a baby, she'll have time to develop all her skills. There is a time for everything. 

3. Do not compare your baby with other babies. They are all different. 

4. Yes, you are a mother now, but do not forget you are still a wife, a friend, a daughter, a grand-daughter, a niece, a cousin, a colleague...you have lots of roles to play.

5. Do not think your life is over. You can still, and indeed must, get excited about potential trips, holidays, exhibitions, festivals, concerts, dinners out...And if you can't or do not want to bring the baby along, what are nannies, baby sitters, grandparents and friends for? 

6. Do take care of yourself. It is still important to look beautiful and healthy. So treat yourself to a nice manicure and pedicure every now and then, keep your hair clean and shiny, look after your body and be fashionable. You have a baby, not a disease. And keep eating healthy and get your body back on track as soon as possible! 

I am sure with time I will update this list and add more items but this is a good start for now. Mums out there, do you agree with me? Or am I being completely unrealistic?