From the time a pregnant women notices the smell of coffee can make her stomach fight a civil war, she is bombarded with materials to “help” make decisions about her new baby. It can be helpful, and harassing. The information is confusing, and swayed by trends. And if the mass emails and daunting library of literature on the subject aren’t enough, there are the anecdotes… I mean, expert advise… of dear ol’ mom and dad.
The winds of change are fast, but instincts never change. In the world of parenting no amount of information can replace the conscience of mom, dad, and health providers. But the information can dampen that wisdom if not accepted properly. We have a habit of reading the available resources with a perspective of fear, using it to warn us is potential dangers and how to avoid them. But I purport that fear is not the solution to healthy and safe living. If we are only avoiding issues, then what are we moving toward? Don’t modify culture to be healthy and safe…create it. A perspective of avoidance allows for the negative in life to have control over decision making. Let us decide to embrace freedom and peace by choosing to work toward the goals for our children, and let go of the fear that dominates us, not only in motherhood and fatherhood, but in our careers, and lives. It is simple: Identify goal. Make decision accordingly. The biggest thing parents can do to provide a safe and healthy environment is do just that.
