Actually, being a new mom reminds me of my first year teaching. I remember when I was in college, training to be a teacher. I read text books, wrote papers and observed others in preparation. Then my first class of students sat in front of me and it seemed that most of the theory I learned or preconceived ideas I had formed got tossed. I found huge gaps between educational theory and my actual classroom experiences, especially when I first started.
Before our sweetie was born, I read books about parenting, observed the parenting styles of various friends, siblings, and strangers. I had numerous discussions with my husband about what life would be like as a mom and all the things I would and wouldn't do. My daughter is now three months old and so many of my assumptions were exactly that, assumptions. I've had to read more, and discuss more and mostly just learn as I go. Sure there are big ideas that I still aspire to, and role models that I have, but very small baby steps first.
