by Angel Quinton

Created on: April 03, 2009   Last Updated: June 22, 2009

Job vacancy: Duties, nursing, mentoring, housekeeping, gardening, driving, administration, art/craft work, sports, tutoring, cooking, hairdressing, costume making, and some unscheduled tasks as they arise. To work 24 hours per day. No breaks, 7 days per week, no holidays, no salary, no pension, no training, no qualifications or references needed. Start immediately no interview required.

Want to apply? Maybe you have already and loving every moment. Yes the job is being a parent. The only job available with such responsibility yet that requires no qualifications and has no training. How do parents cope? Why is it that the majority of parents do a reasonable job under such circumstances?

The feeling of being a parent is unimaginable. From that first wonderful moment when you see that tiny bundle and are completely overwhelmed. From that moment you would do anything to ensure your little boy or girl is cared for and safe. You will do anything to provide for them. It is this instinct that ensures that parents cope with this immense responsibility they will put aside their own needs to provide for and care for their children.

When you get home with your newborn, even if it is not your first baby, it can be a heady mix of excitement, tiredness, worry and anxiousness. The long awaited day has arrived, Will you cope? Will it be as you expected? Are you caring for your baby in the correct way? There seems to be advice from all directions, health care workers, your parents, friends and relations all seem to have advice to offer. Your head's spinning from lack of sleep and emotions.

Will these feelings go? Will you soon feel you can cope with every situation? The answer is no! You will always feel slightly unprepared for the next stage. How will you cope when they are mobile? Will you be able to support them when they are at school? What about when they are teenagers? First boyfriend/girlfriend? You will get used to being a parent; however each stage is unchartered land. It takes constant evaluation, new skills and endless patience to achieve.

Parenting styles vary so much that you will compare and question constantly, is your way correct? Is your neighbours better? Are you strict enough? Too lenient? Is your bedtime suitable? Is your child's diet healthy enough? Should you go to work or stay at home? As there are no set rules you have to make up your own. This can be a minefield of worry, guilt and stress wondering if you have it right. The one thing to remember is that no parent is perfect. They all make it up as they go along. As long as you do what you think is right for the right reasons you will cope.

However, the rewards are also endless, the first time your baby smiles at you, first steps, first day at school are all events that will make it all worth while. That is the thing about being a parent you put in 100 times more, time wise than you get back. You feel forever grateful, thankful, joyful for your child that all the worry, work, and stress is worth every moment and you will continue to do everything you can possibly do for them forever. So take a look at that job description again and add: rewards, endless. Bonuses, priceless.

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