Tom

Not long ago I found out that I'm going to be a dad. Scary! Exciting.

I have a lot of research ahead of me and when there's research to be done I, of course, immediately turn to the net. I found a few parenting sites and a few parents forums, some of which are even pretty active, but I hadn't found anything that seemed to offer just what I was looking for.

So I thought I'd start a new forum. I'll be contributing what I can as I learn how to be a dad and hopefully we'll get some others to show up and join in as well.

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Parenting Forums

Chris

That's great Tom, congratulations!

There sure is a lot to learn about becoming a parent. Nobody realizes what is actually involved until you have that child in your arms. It helps a lot to prepare, Dr. Spock's book is a great general advice book for parents that I would keep in the house. I can't tell you how much that book helped me. Just stock up on information so when you need it, it's there.
I think it's great that you started this forum for parents!

mamab

Congratulations, Tom! Be prepared for your whole world to be turned upside down!!

I haven't read Dr. Spock, but that doesn't mean he didn't have good things to say. I chose, however, to turn to "The Complete Book of Baby and Child Care: From Pre-Birth Through the Teen Years" by Focus on the Family. It has wonderful information, pictures of what childhood diseases might look like on the skin, parenting advice. It's an all-around great book. We used it quite a bit when we had our first child. We still have it, and still refer to it.

Tom

Thanks - I actually am just about to the point where I've started book shopping.

I did a little surfing yesterday and ran across this site http://www.developingchild.net/ (The National Scientific Council on the Developing Child).

They have a bunch of downloadable publications I plan on checking out as well.

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Tom

Ready as I'll ever be I guess ... I'll check out this book as well. Thanks

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Parenting Forums

penguinmama

Congratulations!! Mostly, you will learn by doing I'm sure, though, that you will find it helpful to have experience on which to draw. I am a mom of five: my eldest is 13 and my youngest is 1.

TracyW

Congratulations on your new addition and for taking the time to form this new parenting board. Wishing you the very best and looking forward to getting to know everyone and sharing our secrets, tips and advice.

destiny

This is so wonderfully exciting, and I'd like to add my congratulations, Tom! I remember the research phase I went through when I found out I was pregnant. It was like I couldn't get my hands on enough books! As time went on, though, and after my daughter was born, I found out that although the books and websites are good guides, the best parenting skills were born of actually being a parent. I also put much more validity into what other parents had to say than I put in books, too. My best source of advice when I needed it was always another mommy.

And I might add that parentingforums.org is exactly the kind of place I would have *found* those other parents... congrats also on the birth of the forum!

jmeyer3131

Just love your kid and always show it...and always, always keep the lines of communication open. Start talking (and listening) when they're old enough to talk at all, and it will keep the habit going.

My daughter is 14 and still very open with me. I'm pretty sure it's because of all those years of knowing that I enjoy her company and that she can bring up anything with me.

southnjmom

Congratulations, Tom! And, thank you for starting this forum! I am a first time mom and really looking forward to learning all that I can! I haven't found many sites out there like this one so I'm excited to have found this one. Thanks and congrats again!