Parenting
An Unbelievable Set of Care Instructions Ever Composed
by Janelle Foster
Updated: March 29, 2023
Originally Published: January 17, 2023
Today, while sifting through a collection of old photo albums, I stumbled upon a crumpled note. It turned out to be a six-page document detailing “guidelines and explanations” (a term I coined) that I crafted for my in-laws when they graciously offered to look after our daughter during a much-anticipated ten-day trip to Italy with my mother.
This was eight years ago, when my daughter had just celebrated her first birthday, and we had recently moved into a new home the week prior. Surrounded by unpacked boxes and the delightful chaos of raising a toddler, I was grateful that my in-laws flew in from Arizona to help us out. I remain thankful for their generosity, and even more so for the fact that they didn’t flee upon seeing the instructions I prepared.
In an effort to “assist” them, I compiled what I believed to be a comprehensive guide, outlining the essential information they would need to ensure a smooth ten days with my daughter. Now, eight years—and a second child—later, I can only imagine the amusement this document must have brought to my intelligent and loving in-laws, who had successfully raised two sons of their own.
Below is the content of the note, along with some insights into what they might have thought while reading it. I share this for all the moms out there, especially those preparing to create their own detailed “guidelines” for the first time they leave their little ones in someone else’s care. For those of us with older kids, it serves as a reminder of that emotional first hand-off and the journey we’ve taken since. Save those notes; they’ll remind you of your growth—and might inspire you to step up your gift game for your in-laws this holiday season.
For more on preparing for parenthood and related topics, you can explore our article on home insemination kits, which can guide you in expanding your family. Additionally, if you’re interested in understanding fertility better, check out this excellent resource from the Johns Hopkins Fertility Center.
In conclusion, preserving memories of our parenting journey is essential, and it’s these seemingly trivial notes that capture our evolution as parents.
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