There is a big secret about parenthood that nobody tells you. It is a secret so big that it could change everything you know about parenting. At the very least it will change everything you think about parenting. Are you ready for the biggest secret? Alright here goes. Go with your gut.
We take time to read countless books, scour countless blog posts, and listen to hours of ridiculous parenting advice from others only to leave ourselves in an anxious mess. The days can be long, the nights even longer – situations will come that you never could have anticipated and no single piece of advice or parenting book will prepare you for it. In those times I want all parents to know – when in doubt, trust yourself.
Go With Your Gut
While I was contemplating how to write this so I wouldn’t put myself out of business, my wife mentioned a book written by Spock. Needless to say my selective hearing led to a slightly disappointing but enlightening moment. Dr. Benjamin Spock was not Spock from Star Trek’s full name. However, Dr. Spock did write a book called Baby and Childcare back in 1949. Yes, the original edition of the book was aimed at mothers, but welcome to the 21st century, the 10th edition includes us dads. And, for those of you who will never pickup the book, here are the cliff notes: “you know more than you think you do.”
It seems crazy to think that going with a gut decision can be a good idea when it comes to parenting but in all reality it may be the best option. Going with your gut when it comes to parenting is actually the combination of what you already know to be true aka your natural instincts and your emotions working together. That’s right dads, our emotions – deal with it. The best part, all of this comes together without you having to put much work into it. The beauty of the thinking machine.
There is a great story about golf legend Gary Player sinking a shot out of the bunker. A spectator yelled “$50 if you do it again!”, Gary dropped a ball and did it two more times in a row. While the spectator was paying up he said “I’ve never seen someone so lucky.” To which Gary replied “Well, the more I practice the luckier I get.” For those of you who are not naturally comfortable with trusting your gut, the best way to learn is through practice, just like anything else.
The moral of this story, trust your gut feelings about parenthood. You got this.