Becoming a mother is a natural instinct in every woman. Of course, one doesn't know when the biological clock starts ticking, urging you to have babies of your own, instead of fondling and cuddling other people's babies who look so cute. That's when you take the inevitable decision in spite of the tiresome chore called "making babies".



Phase 2: Heavy with Child

As a woman you know when you have conceived for sure. And, it's soon confirmed by morning sickness, moodiness and many times with biological changes you never believed could ever happen to you. But, it is all worth it when you feel that first flutter inside your belly. The thought of a life growing within you is awesome.

A few months later and you know all about those kicks - and the elbows. Plus backache, piles, swollen ankles, varicose veins - who was responsible for getting you into this state????

Then, you feel the time has come. You reach the hospital puffing and panting, totally oblivious of what lies in store. It seemed it will never be over, yet when it is, it appeared to be over in a jiffy. The excitement of a baby makes you forget the pain as though it never happened at all.

Act 3: Packed Days, Sleepless Nights!

Sleepless nights, sore nipples, dieting to lose all those extra pounds. Meanwhile, the little darling can do no wrong. Look! She smiles! And she has discovered her toes! I wonder if they really taste so good?

Each little step in the growth of your child is more exciting than anything you have ever known before, whether it is the first time she discovered her toe or the first time she sat for a few seconds. Then crawling, standing, walking, articulating something that resembled a word ? everything is so exciting. You write it down in the baby book with pictures and all. You feel a sense of achievement that calls for a celebration.

Nursery rhymes and pat-a-cake - crucial for child development but, all too often these days, delegated to the TV.

And suddenly it's time for the first play school. You send your child nicely scrubbed and dressed to school with mixed feelings ? happy and worried.

Act 4: Play, School and Parties

Then your cuddly baby gets busy with friends in the school. What the teacher and friends say is gospel truth.

Toilet jokes - everything and anything to do with pooping and peepee is absolutely hilarious!

Their first best friend, and first rejection. Scraped knees in the playground. And, of course, their first "it's not fair!"

For a parent, it is a test of nerves to let them go, but you have to do that anyway. So, the sooner the better.

Act 5: The Three R's

The next stage is marked by learning the skills to read and write and to add up numbers. Some kids sail through it easily, while others have to struggle hard to learn. You begin to notice individual differences among kids. For some parents this stage is long and arduous while others find it exciting and enjoyable.

Even so, there are always the little events to remember - All she wants for Christmas is her two front teeth (along with Barbie and a puppy dog!)

Also, don't forget to discipline your child; she is no longer a baby.

Phase 6 - Pre-teens and Puberty

Boys and girls require different treatment when they are about to enter puberty. They are different in so many ways. Girls appear to be frivolous and boys pretend to be very smart, but both need special care to cross over the various changes happening in their bodies.

This is the stage when parents know nothing about the ?in things?, be it in clothes, fashion or styles.

language is cool too.

Help her through her first bra, her first period, her lipstick and makeup, her awkwardness and so on.

Stage 7 ? Dates and Parties

The seventh stage is when the boys and girls are not so alien after all. They are drawn to each other.

Suddenly too, your precious child, whom you taught everything, knows more than you. In fact, you apparently, know nothing, and they knows everything!

This is the stage of late nights and parties, and arguments at home. Your child wants freedom from rules and restrictions. This is also the stage of new trends in fashion and music. Parents belong to a different era. They don't understand.

But, every now and then, you can have an amazing conversation with your new young adult - as long as you aren't trying to lecture them.

Then, one day, the fireworks settle. The grunts turn into English again and like a phoenix from the ashes, and new (adult) human emerges - full of ideals and dreams and visions, but perhaps a bit short on confidence and wisdom.

Epilogue: Go, Went, Gone

One day, they will leave home! You need to prepare yourself for that day more than them. However, you love them just as much and you miss them.

"I'll love you, forever. I'll like you, for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be" - Robert Munsch

The moral of the story is that make the most of the years of parenthood; they will pass too quickly.