A Valuable Ritual–the Baby Shower
WHO is pregnant? Oh boy! Let’s have a baby shower! Although generally secrecy is attempted, most moms have a sixth sense about these things. The excitement of luring the unsuspecting expectant mom to the shower often involves planning just short of military strategy. This is a testament to the love and friendship that the shower participants feel for the new mom. The sense of affection is the most valuable aspect of the shower. Yes, the parents-to-be will get a stack of supplies for the New Addition. But more importantly they will realize that they will not have to face their new venture alone. They will witness their friends gathered around to pledge their support. Some of their friends may have their own children. This gives them a special status as mentors and passers-down of baby stuff
The secret planning pays off and the mom- to- be walks into the ambush. There is fun and laughter as everyone explains his role in the clever deception. Some ice breaker games soon have everyone on a first name basis and the routines set down for baby showers are enacted.
Once the mom is on her special throne, she surveys the people gathered there to honor her in her new role. She cannot miss the feeling of helpfulness emanating from the group. She relaxes in the knowledge that these people are offering her their services and their support as she enters uncharted waters.
A volunteer will sew the gift decorations onto a pie plate and insist that the new mom wear it. The gifts given by each participant will be duly recorded to ease the task of thanking people later for their generosity. However, underlying these routines is a more important vibe. It is the general feeling of support and helpfulness given off by the participants. The mom now knows that these folks will be available for consultation and consolation during those stressful early parenting months.
People who have had babies tend to give practical gifts. They know the importance of a never-ending supply of daily diapers. They understand that a wireless baby monitor can give a nervous new parent some peace of mind. They fill a baby bath with the down to earth essentials of baby care, like diaper rash cream and baby washcloths.
Young people usually do not know the finer details about what a new mom needs. Their gifts tend to be prettier but less practical. But these youngsters will fearlessly offer to push the stroller around the block twenty times while mom has a shower and a break. Their contributions will be as useful as anyone else’s.
The baby shower is an emotional catharsis for everyone involved. The mom learns that her friends will help her with her new baby. The friends have permission to share their excitement and joy with the mom. Everyone leaves a shower feeling on top of the world.
Mail this post
Tags: baby gifts, Baby shower, party planning