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Show Perceptions of parenthood The majority of first-time parents don't have realistic perceptions about parenthood, says a new national survey of childbirth educators. ! Because of their close contact i with parents-to-be at a crucial time i in their lives, childbirth educators were surveyed by the IOF Foresters and Baby Talk magazine, to give insights in-sights into the thoughts of new parents. Fifty-two percent of expectant parents feel their lifestyles won't change much at all during the first year of parenthood, according to the survey published in the February 1992 issue of Baby Talk. Among other findings: Twenty-five percent believe ! that parenting will be easy. Six percent believe that babies can be put on a schedule. Six percent believe that they will be perfect parents. Three percent think they can't spoil their babies too much. "These are all misconceptions," said Gina Bums, R.N., a childbirth educator. "First-time parents who think the job will be easy aren't facing fac-ing reality. Parenthood requires an entire lifestyle change." "People in our society feel they can control all aspects of their lives," said Bums. "What first-time first-time parents don't realize is that the infant is the one in control. Newborns require 24-hour-a-day attention at-tention and care." Child psychologist and IOF Foresters parenting consultant Arnold Ar-nold Rincover concurs. "The control con-trol issue is a good point," said Rincover, "However, it is also a question of ignorance. The only real experience first-time parents have similar to child-rearing is caring for pets or animals, and this does not entail a loss of control. But with live children, parents have very little control." Rincover also attributes the misconception about parenting to the fact that, "with the first child, most people focus on the pregnancy and the birth process and don't think much beyond that." To better prepare for parenthood, Rincover suggests that expectant parents talk to a trusted friend who has had children. He also recommends recom-mends reading books on childhood and parenting prior to the birth of the child to fill in any experience gaps. The IOF Foresters is a not-for-profit fraternal benefit society dedicated to helping families. The organization regularly conducts parenting surveys and special projects. pro-jects. For free literature on better I parenting, call the IOF Foresters toll-free Better Parenting Line (1-800-922-4-IOF). |