[afc wimbledon]

Originally Posted by BigBrodieFan

As a mom to two boys, here's what I have:

1) Tell your wife to have an epidural. People who want to do natural birth are crazy. I decided to do this and it was the dumbest most unbearably painful decision of my life. Tell her to take the drugs.

2) Don't let your baby sleep with you. Ever. Put a bassinet beside the bed for the first few months. If you have the baby in the bed, you will be constantly worried that you will crush the baby in your sleep and you will therefore get no sleep at all. Also, when the kid gets older it's creepy to have him/her in bed with you and if that keeps up, you will never have sex because your kid is in your bed or you'll be worried that the kid will climb in bed with you. This is true.

3) Get some gripe water. You can find this in a pharmacy. When you have a screaming baby with colic this helps soothe them.

4) As soon as the kid is old enough, get a lightweight folding stroller- so much easier to card around than those giant atrocities that block sidewalks and take three hours to take out/put in your trunk.

5) It's your business what religion you are and how you choose to guide them spiritually, but don't go over the top with the whole 'You'll go to hell if you do this or don't do that.' Answer questions the kid might have about religion as honestly as you can, and encourage questions.

6) Be honest with your kid. If they ask you if you've ever done anything wrong, don't be high and mighty. 'I got perfect grades' builds resentment, etc.

7) Let them try a variety of activities. If they want to try a musical instrument, let them. Sports, clubs, swimming..whatever. The more they are exposed to the better. It's always better to say 'Been there, tried that' then 'Never tried it before.'

8) Love them so much it hurts. Let them know you're their biggest advocate on the planet no matter what they do. Let them know you'll always be there for them, no matter what. And tell them you love them every day. That's the the best thing for any kid, if you ask me.

Congratulations!!!

I have to agree, my ex swore by it, a few swigs calmed her right down, didn't do butkus for the baby though.