As I said in the companion post, this list is not about complaining, it’s about giving advice. With that thought in mind, here are the five things that an expectant parent really wants to hear from you.
1. Advice
Ironically, other parents say the things in the first list, when we’d rather hear about what works. Really, we want to know. We’ll hear from a lot of people. We’ll take the most commonly suggested things and try them. Don’t be afraid to make suggestions. Even so, I think the best phrasing came from my wife’s friend who started with, “I’m going to give you lots of advice, but you can feel free to ignore it when the time comes.” There it was; no pressure, just information that might help us. Perfect.
2. “This is the best thing you’ll ever do.”
This is something I’ve heard a lot, so I assume it’s true. Even if it isn’t, in your case, it’s still a good thing to hear. As I said earlier, there’s a lot of concern and worry. Reassurance is always good.
3. “You’ll have lots of help.” (Especially for first time parents).
As stated above, there are a lot of concerns. There are lots of worries. We’re going to be responsible for a new life. Knowing that there’s someone to call for advice, for help, for tips, etc. is very comforting. It’s the real world equivalent of the reassurance you gave in #2.
4. Advice on where to shop for cheap stuff.
This is the perfect alternative to telling us how expensive everything will be. Instead of focusing on the problem, you’re giving us a solution. I have heard about every consignment store in the area, I am glad that I know where they are and I am ready to shop.
5. “You won’t do everything right and that’s okay.”
This keeps with the theme of reassurance. Ironically, no one has said this to me. I just read it and it made me feel better.
1. Advice
Ironically, other parents say the things in the first list, when we’d rather hear about what works. Really, we want to know. We’ll hear from a lot of people. We’ll take the most commonly suggested things and try them. Don’t be afraid to make suggestions. Even so, I think the best phrasing came from my wife’s friend who started with, “I’m going to give you lots of advice, but you can feel free to ignore it when the time comes.” There it was; no pressure, just information that might help us. Perfect.
2. “This is the best thing you’ll ever do.”
This is something I’ve heard a lot, so I assume it’s true. Even if it isn’t, in your case, it’s still a good thing to hear. As I said earlier, there’s a lot of concern and worry. Reassurance is always good.
3. “You’ll have lots of help.” (Especially for first time parents).
As stated above, there are a lot of concerns. There are lots of worries. We’re going to be responsible for a new life. Knowing that there’s someone to call for advice, for help, for tips, etc. is very comforting. It’s the real world equivalent of the reassurance you gave in #2.
4. Advice on where to shop for cheap stuff.
This is the perfect alternative to telling us how expensive everything will be. Instead of focusing on the problem, you’re giving us a solution. I have heard about every consignment store in the area, I am glad that I know where they are and I am ready to shop.
5. “You won’t do everything right and that’s okay.”
This keeps with the theme of reassurance. Ironically, no one has said this to me. I just read it and it made me feel better.
I think this is what I’ll say in the future when I come upon someone who is on the cusp of parenthood. It has that element of reassurance and even confidence-building.
Of course, I may be focusing on this last one because I hope, very much, that it’s true! I’ll let you know.
Of course, I may be focusing on this last one because I hope, very much, that it’s true! I’ll let you know.
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