Advice For Expectant Parents

Posted on May 9, 2011 
Filed Under Fathering, Focus on the Family Broadcast, Parenting, Personal

I caught our third child. And I’m not saying I caught her doing something. I literally caught her.

On a recent Focus on the Family radio program we shared an audio clip of the “911″ call I made moments after “delivering” our daughter Allie at home, unexpectedly. What a moment! It was one of the most profound, moving experiences of my life. I can hardly go back in time to that wonderful day without tearing up!

In case you missed it, here’s the highlight clip: 911 call re: Allie Fuller

Even though Allie was our third child, there were some things about parenting – especially related to raising a girl – that I wish I had known at the time. A third child changes everything, and when you are used to having a couple of rambunctious boys, a girl can be an especially (and wonderful!) catalyst for change.

Let me share a few “thought starters” for the new (or expectant) parent. Consider your assumptions about how a baby will affect your life:

1.     What does being a mom or dad mean to you?

2.     Do you expect parenting to be easy or hard? Why?

3.     How would you describe one (or more!) of the biggest challenges you’re facing about being a first time dad or mom?

4.     Overall, how do you think you’ll do as a new parent?

It is important to think through these questions, and to consider what you’re really expecting – when you’re expecting. Big changes are coming, and you CAN do this parenting thing well. You just need to be prepared to learn as you go, to be open to God’s leading, to find joy in the journey. It is a wonderful privilege to shepherd a child through those early days…all the way to adulthood.

Over the weekend we celebrated Allie’s 17th birthday. It’s really hard to believe she is a lovely young lady who can drive, care for the household and express a desire to serve God and know Him better. While at times the parenting process seemed slow, let the 911 call above remind you that things get moving pretty fast, and that your role as a mom or dad will transition all-too-quickly to coach/mentor/friend.

Comments

One Response to “Advice For Expectant Parents”

  1. Mark Chambers on May 11th, 2011 4:59 am

    John, you sounded entirely too calm. What a blessing to be able to deliver your daughter. I had the honor of “catching” our 2nd daughter under the watchful eye of our Doctor and it is a memory I will never forget. Thanks for sharing that moment with us. Take care and keep up the good work. -Mark Chambers

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