Neither Father Nor Mother Knows Best...
...everyone else does! At least when it comes to newborns! At least once every time we're out with Maranatha, we are given advice, usually that she doesn't have enough layers on and will get cold.
The first day we were back here, we went out and this college-age girl motioned that Maranatha should be wearing a hat. I looked up, and explained that we were in the shade, the sun was behind the building, and so she didn't need a hat. But I had misjudged the advice. She was to wear a hat because she'd get cold, not because of the sun! Mind you, these are warm summer days, not exactly flu season!
Today, I was in a store with Maranatha in the front carrier, asleep and content. A young store clerk started scolding me that babies should be carried cradled in your arms, not in a carrier. Then, after I smiled, nodded, and walk away, she went over to tell this advice to 2 other employees and a couple of customers, who come over, look at me, shaking their heads all the while, and walk away with grim faces.
The first day we were back here, we went out and this college-age girl motioned that Maranatha should be wearing a hat. I looked up, and explained that we were in the shade, the sun was behind the building, and so she didn't need a hat. But I had misjudged the advice. She was to wear a hat because she'd get cold, not because of the sun! Mind you, these are warm summer days, not exactly flu season!Today, I was in a store with Maranatha in the front carrier, asleep and content. A young store clerk started scolding me that babies should be carried cradled in your arms, not in a carrier. Then, after I smiled, nodded, and walk away, she went over to tell this advice to 2 other employees and a couple of customers, who come over, look at me, shaking their heads all the while, and walk away with grim faces.
This happens all the time... it seems that college kids, taxi drivers, and store clerks know better than this mother of 3 how to care for a new baby. In winter-time, they're really going to go nuts giving me advice. Here, they bundle their babies (and toddlers) up like little Michelin-men... with so many layers on that they can't even move. They're not going to believe me when I say that polar fleece is extremely warm even though it's thin- they have no such concept of "thin but warm" here. 
At least I have this precious little smiling face to keep me cheery and let me know that, indeed, I am doing a good job!
At least I have this precious little smiling face to keep me cheery and let me know that, indeed, I am doing a good job!
7 comments:
The worst thing would be in Central America - women would have their babies in sweaters and knit caps in the dead of winter. No wonder their kids are little - they sweat their body weight off because of the way they are dressed!
Keep truckin' along, Jess - you're doing an amazing job. :)
You don't listen to those people, girl. You are an outstanding mother and woman. My hat goes off to you. Having 3 here in the States is hard enough, but moving from country to country with a newborn?...wow! Has your mom left yet?
I may not post all of the time, but I check your blog every day. Your life is so exciting and sacrificial. I think I live vicariously through you guys and get to see all of the good things while y'all experience the good and the scary and bad. Thank you on behalf of your brothers and sisters in the States.
Hey Stephanie! I'm glad to know people read it and enjoy it! It makes me feel more in touch with folks at home to at least be putting our stories out there. Yes, my mom did leave- she actually had to leave from Thailand, so she didn't get to see where we live at all. That will have to be another trip. But she had nearly a full month with us, so that was awesome! She was such a big help and of course the boys loved having her with us! Thanks for your comments- I do feel encouraged! :)
What a sweet face!!!
Lovely! Cute!
You might put a different interpretation on all the advice: Reframe it in other words. Here in the United States we are a "non-communal" country. We stay out of other people's business...that also means we don't empathize with strangers. In China, they are more community-oriented...therefore, they have the responsibility to speak out...so think of it as they consider you part of the community...not an outsider! That should be a compliment! And people do criticize here; they just do it behind your back. Love you all, Brenda, Mom, Gran Bren...and you are always good parents!
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