You have certainly already said or heard this sentence… We explain to you why it is better to no longer say these few (inappropriate) words to parents of young children.
Whether it’s the first baby or you’re already a parent, a whole bunch of questions accompany pregnancy, then the birth of the child. And as he grows, the same problems return and worry young parents. Colic, toothache, vaccines and childhood illnesses, sleep, diet, development and motor skills… All stages of baby’s life raise legitimate questions. Also, if you have a baby and someone asks you how he is doing, you will tend to answer that he is growing well, but that at the moment he is not finishing his bottles because of dental pain, or that he still doesn’t sleep through the night.
As a young parent, you mostly expect to be reassured, hope to get sound advice, or simply to have a little reassurance. But instead, expect to hear this often inappropriate phrase that will be repeated to you too often: “wait until he’s older… and he’ll be picky at mealtime!“, Or : “wait and see when he’s a teenager and wants to go out with his friends, you’ll be the one who won’t sleep at night!” Or : “It’s not working yet? Take advantage of it, because then he’s going to make you run.”… “Oh, he has a cold, it’s nothing, wait and see when he gets gastro!“. In short, there is always an answer that means the worst awaits you.
These lines have a way of annoying young parents. And for good reason, they have time to see it coming! If these few words are intended to de-dramatize the situation, they mean: “That’s nothing, you haven’t seen anything yet!” and above all, it does not help them in any way. However, their baby is not yet a teenager, he is not yet a big boy and they must resolve current problems before thinking about all those who await them.
Furthermore, by responding this type of sentence to a father or mother who is worried about their baby, you are only minimizing their problem and invalidating what they are going through. Whereas, on the contrary, young parents need to be understood, supported and receive advice and tips to overcome their worries. Our advice: live in the present moment, don’t plan so far ahead (baby grows up quickly). And if you are looking for answers adapted to your situation, seek advice from your pediatrician or a health professional who will not tell you this sentence, we promise!