You probably know much more than you think you do about being a parent. You spent years observing your own parents and other families. Perhaps you’ve taken care of other people’s children. And you have many instinctive responses that will help make you a giving parent. In other times, this probably would have been all the preparation you needed to raise a child. However, our society is extremely complex and is constantly changing. In order to guide their children in this new world, parents often benefit from some extra education. Talk to your pediatrician and other parents, and ask questions. Read about issues and problems that affect your family.
Contact your local religious organizations, school systems and PTAs, child-care centers, parent education classes and other groups that specialize in child-related concerns. Often, these groups serve as networks for concerned and interested parents. These networks will help you feel more comfortable and secure when issues seem puzzling or frustrating, a not uncommon state today.