Where can I learn how to be a parent?

[NAB3]

As you can see from my many posts I need some help.


Irony is I was a fab nanny!

[CaraLondon]

What a great title - I can see many posts here about how you learn on the job and use MN as a reference guide!

Irony is that I was only able to get use to the idea of being a mummy by getting a nanny in ;)

Can't offer any practical advice I'm afraid. Best of luck, though.

[lenaschildminding]

Experiance!

[irises]

1. don't read any parenting books

2. don't watch any parenting programmes

3. trust yourself.

[cestlavie]

Ask your kids to teach you! I get taught daily by DS (although he probably thinks I'm a bit slow unfortunately).

[MrsArchieTheScaryInventor]

You can't. I, for one, am freewheeling it on the rollercoaster of motherhood with only a wing and a prayer to keep me on track. That and the advice from family and friends and, of course, mumsnet! Trick is to take what you read and hear with a pinch of salt. What works for one person doesn't necessarily mean it will work with all parents/children, and if something works... great!! And if it doesn't, don't be disheartened, just try something else.

Good luck!!

[Lorayn]

Oh NAB3! You're being a wonderful parent just by trying so bloody hard!!!!!

Or I could just be pedantic and say, it happens when you have a baby, what kind of parent you are is what you can change

[mamazombie]

if you want some parenting classes or even just as upport group. contact your local youth offending service.

most YOT's will run varoous courses, from dealing with teenagers to talking about sex or drugs.

you will be able to eitehr join a class or support group or even just have a chat with one of the workers.


I dont think its a bad thing to admit you were not given a manual at birth and if you feel you would like to ask for some help or advice.
I am sure you are a great parent already as the first rule is to love your child unconditionally, and your post here shwos that even though you are finding it hard you are still very much a caring mother who wants to learn other strategies.

[Furball]

do you live near any of these places on the left. If so Parentline Plus do loads of courses. They are great, normally in small groups and cos everybody is in the same boat you make some great friends as well.

[Martha200]

NAB3 - You have my empathy, am a much better carer of other children than my own

Don't go down the track of comparing yourself as parent to Nanny, that's my advice, though sometimes it is useful to think what would one say if it was another parent one is dealing with.

I haven't seen your many posts

[NAB3]

Thanks all. It took a while but you found me!

Good result - been doing jigsaws with DD, aged 4. On to 3rd one and I wanted her to do it more, she didn't want to so after lots of encouragement I left to go to the loo. Cue DD throwing jigsaws, crying, slamming doors and removing her clothes. She then threw my cook books on the floor. I ignored her the whole time and after 5 or so minutes she stopped and is now sat on the sofa.