The Social Child

Life with a 3 year old can be brilliant. It can be quite hard as well. Since my daughter started nursery, I have noticed a drastic change in her personality. She shouts constantly (not aggresively) instead of talking. Probably because she has to compete against the other childrens noise level at nursery to get heard. Her social abilities have increased tremendously. Being the only child in the family, she struggled to understand other small children. When she was around other children at the park for instance, she would stop dead in her tracks and watch them with an uncertain look on her face. She now knows what these small things are, they are other children! Now she joins in and can understand why they might throw a strop or scream if another child pushes in front of them.
Socialising a small child at an early age aids in their development. Some small children don't attend a playgroup or nursery and only meet children their own age once they start school. In some cases, this can be far too late in a childs development. Socialising is crucial. It teaches us from an early age how different people act to different scenarios. It teaches us how to treat  other people. It is the main structure to our development into adulthood. If one is not sociable, it is hard for them to partake in everyday activities. As an adult they would not be able to go to work or get the groceries etc without having an anxiety or understanding of how to talk to others.
Socialising at an early age is imperitve. As a parent, I believe it is one of the main components of parenting responsibilites. Along with discipline and praise. I think that being able to socialise easily with others gives a confidence that stays with you throughout adult life.

Women are Warriors, Men are Militants.

Women go through a lot during pregnancy. Labour is meant to be the most painful thing in the world. I wouldn't know, I am just a man.

The one thing women forget when they are going through pregnancy, is that we are going through it too. During my partners pregnancy, I was running around left, right and centre. She would send me out at stupid'o'clock to get her cheesy puffs with lemon and lime jelly. I would have to rub her feet and run her a bath after a hard day at work. Hey, I didn't mind doing this, she was carrying my unborn child afterall. I'm just saying that men are often cast aside when it comes to parenting and I believe that we have the right to be acknowledged too.

Witnessing the labour was the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. Of course my partner was in severe pain etc but my emotions were running wild. While she was out of it on pethadine, I was worrying for her and the babies life. The baby had a heart monitor because she was stuck and becoming distressed. My partner can't remember any of this, but I had to go through it for 26 hours. My book describes the entire ordeal we went through.

Since the birth, my partner and I have shared parental responsibilities. I was made redundant so my partner took up full time employment and I am at home with the little one bringing her up. Being a Dad is a precious thing. I'm sure any doting father would agree. Women are absolute warriors for going through labour and I think men are militants for putting up with them while they are pregnant :)