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by Jenna Harper
Updated: Jan. 7, 2021
Originally Published: Jan. 7, 2017
First-time mothers-to-be (bless their hearts) often find themselves navigating the uncharted waters of motherhood. As pregnancy progresses, it becomes customary for friends and family to host a baby shower, ensuring these new moms are well-equipped for the early days of parenting.
While these events may involve silly games (how many times can one guess the melted candy bar hidden in a diaper?), they serve a vital purpose: sharing the collective wisdom of seasoned mothers with those just beginning their journey. Amidst the adorned baskets filled with baby lotions and cozy onesies, the underlying message is clear: We’ve been through this too, and we want you to thrive.
However, as those newborns transition into the often perplexing realm of preteens, the support seems to dwindle. You would think that after a decade of parenting, we’d have it all figured out, but the reality is quite the opposite. Once children hit double digits, their behavior and hormones shift dramatically, leaving mothers as bewildered as when their little ones were still sweet, cooing infants. Suddenly, those once-adorable toddlers morph into tall, sassy beings, rolling their eyes and testing boundaries.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to establish “preteen showers” to provide the necessary support during this challenging transition into adolescence? Here are some thoughtful gift ideas for these occasions:
1. Hygiene Essentials
While preteens may no longer require diaper changes, they come with their own set of scent-related challenges. Gifts like body wash, deodorant, and mouthwash would be greatly appreciated — though one might want to avoid body sprays, which could end up being misused.
2. Grocery Store Vouchers
While new moms typically receive ample support in feeding infants, preteen moms face a different challenge. The child who once existed on scraps suddenly seems to consume everything in sight. Grocery gift cards could be a lifesaver for moms grappling with inflated food bills as their kids enter their growth spurts.
3. Clothing
Just as newborns outgrow their outfits rapidly, preteens also need clothing updates. However, the cost of jeans and shirts adds up quickly. A collection of various sizes would be a welcome gift for any mom trying to keep pace with her child’s sudden growth.
4. Self-Help Literature
While expectant mothers often collect books on newborn care, preteen moms also need guidance. Titles like What to Expect When Your Child Becomes “Unfair” and Who Are You and What Have You Done With My Sweet Child? would make excellent additions to any preteen parent’s reading list.
5. Tutoring Services
Elementary school homework can be straightforward, but as children enter middle school, subjects become more complex. A gift certificate for tutoring would be ideal for moms who want to avoid debates over homework methods or those who need a refresher on subjects they haven’t touched in years.
6. Digital Content Access
When it comes to soothing cranky preteens, nothing works quite like screen time. Gift cards for music, movies, or games can be a lifesaver for moms who are exhausted from navigating the emotional rollercoaster of their tweens.
7. Relaxation Gifts
Lastly, let’s not forget about the mothers themselves. A thoughtful combination of ibuprofen and a nice bottle of wine could be just what they need to unwind after a long day with their newly minted preteens.
While baby showers are a lovely way to prepare new mothers for the challenges of infancy, let’s not overlook the very real hurdles faced by moms of preteens. As the transition from childhood to adolescence can be tumultuous, it’s time we show support to these mothers as well. After all, they are about to discover that wiping noses and changing diapers was merely the easy part. For more insights on navigating motherhood, check out this informative article on home insemination and consider an at-home insemination kit for further family planning options. For those interested in a deeper understanding of pregnancy, this resource on in vitro fertilization can provide valuable information.
Summary
In conclusion, as we celebrate the journey of motherhood, let’s extend the tradition of showers to include preteen moms, offering them the support and resources they need during this challenging phase of parenting.
Keyphrase: Preteen showers for moms
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