Donnie Ray Jones/ FlickerDespite the overwhelming number of books, blogs, and apps people can turn to for advice before becoming parents, there's one piece of guidance that all new moms and dads need to read — and more than once. This letter, known as the Newborn's 10 Commandments, has been shared many times over the years, and although the author isn't known, its powerful sentiment makes this letter a timeless must-read.
The moving piece is written from a newborn's point of view to his or her new parents and recently went viral again after a maternity unit in Scotland posted it on Facebook. "Dear mommy and daddy, please keep this letter from me in a place where you can read it and re-read it when things are rough and you are feeling down," it starts. "Please don't expect too much from me as a newborn baby, or too much from yourselves as parents. Give us both six weeks as a birthday present, six weeks for me to grow, develop, mature, and become more stable and predictable — six weeks for you to rest and relax and allow your body to get back to normal."
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After reminding parents to bear with fussy newborns because they never experienced hunger in the womb, the letter also points out that this is the first time these babies have ever experienced what it feels like to be alone — instead of spending every second completely snuggled with mom. "I am not a tyrant who was sent to make your life miserable," it says. "The only way I can tell you I am not happy is with my cry, bear with me and in a short time, as I mature, I will spend less time crying and more time socializing."
This note also urges parents to remember that newborns are resilient and can withstand the "natural mistakes" that every new mom and dad will end up making. "As long as you make them with love, I cannot be harmed," it says. "Please don't be disappointed when I am not the perfect baby you expected nor be disappointed with yourselves when you are not the perfect parents."
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The letter also urges self-care for both parents instead of focusing solely on the new life in front of them. "Please take care of yourself; eat a balanced diet, rest, and exercise so that when we are together, you have the patience and energy to take care of me. The cure for a fussy baby is more rest for Mom," it says. "Please take care of your relationship with each other. What good is family bonding if there is no family left for me to bond with."
Lastly, the letter reminds parents of the importance of keeping the "big picture" in mind, which can be extremely difficult to see during the fog of new parenthood. "I'll be like this for a very short time, though it seems like forever to you now. Although I may have turned your life upside down, please remind yourselves that things will be back to normal before long," it says. "Enjoy me –- I'll never be this little again!"
