The Joys of Parenting AND My Infatuation with Growing Families International

I'm sure a few of you who read the title of today's blog thought I was being sarcastic, but parenting is truly a joy. I've heard someone say that God give us children so that we can grow and understand his love for us, and this is totally true. I feel blessed to be BJ's mom, everyday (not every moment though, get real!!) His sweet little hugs, his laughs, his soft cheeks, I'm in love with my little man for sure. And although I love being a parent, there are times when your little one knows just what buttons to push! Rubbing Sunbutter (PB alternative) in his hair right as we need to leave for the airport, insisting on holding his own coconut yogurt at the doctor's office only to spill it everywhere, throwing himself to the floor in protest in a public- and not so sanitary place (just to name a few). I have to say though, despite the trials Brandon and I really truly are blessed by BJ. One thing that has been extremely helpful in our lives is a parenting class. It is interesting to hear people's reactions to attending a parenting class. A few of my coworkers ask if I even learn anything or if because I'm intelligent and have medical training it is a waste of time. Others wonder if we are struggling- why would you take a class otherwise? Still others think, well, my parents' didn't take a class and we turned out pretty good, why do you need to take a class? I have to say, I have been truly blessed by our class. It is made up of a group of friends all with kids around BJ's age- ranging (I think) from 8 months to 2 years. We meet weekly to go through material from the Ezzo's and Growing Families International. The Ezzo's most well known book being "Babywise." Despite it's reputation as being cruel and borderline militant, we are all dedicated "Babywise" parents- and are becoming "Toddlerwise." We work on actual "training" with our children- on self control, patience, boundaries, and other virtues with practical advice and activities recommended by the Ezzo's and our facilitators. I have to say that since starting the curriculum, I have felt less frustrated with BJ's occasional tantrums, and have seen some practical applications for our training. Plus, it is great to get together with friends and discuss parenting. AND being on the same page as your spouse in your styles is a huge bonus. I'm not saying we have the perfect behaving child or that we're perfect parents, but that we have tools in place to deal with situations as they arise. I'm definitely going to miss getting together so frequently when the class ends. Bottom line though, if you have a chance to take parenting classes, do it. You will reap the rewards. If you can't, have a plan- it is huge! (I wish I could require parenting classes for so many of my patients' parents- so many issues at home could be avoided with a plan!) And to our class: love you guys- thanks for taking this journey with us!