The moment you find out you’re pregnant, life becomes all about milestones: the due date; all of baby’s firsts like rolling over, sitting up, teething, and thank God, sleeping through the night; first steps; the first day of kindergarten; and before you know it, the first day of college and beyond. No one can prepare you for every step along the way, but here are some great tools that have stood the test of time, helping moms navigate through all the milestones in childhood and adulthood!
What to Expect When You’re Expecting
The classic baby shower gift and expecting mom’s bible, What to Expect When You’re Expecting has an easy to read layout and is packed with the information you need to know, when you need to know it! Worried about what the heck a triple quad blood test is? Is that an ache or a contraction? This tried and tested book is a must- read. The follow-up, What to Expect the First Year, is equally handy!
Preparing for the Worst
It’s a sobering reality, but once you have a child it’s no longer just you, or you and your partner. Now there’s another life to care for. Although you may be making college plans already, what happens to those plans if one or both parents pass away early? Life insurance is a must for parents. Allstate has plans that start as low as $20/month. Definitely worth checking into!
Preschool Primer
Now that the giggles, babbles and motor milestones are covered, what about baby’s mental development? In addition to all the learning activities and toys you’re engaging baby with at home, preschool is right around the corner for your toddler! There are countless learning styles, teaching methods and schedule options. Prepare yourself for the onslaught with How to Choose the Best Preschool for Your Child.
Pomp and Circumstance
It seems like a big jump from preschool to college, but any parent will attest it’s here before you know it! With college costs skyrocketing, it’s important to decide if and how you’ll help your children pay for college. Although it’s becoming more and more uncommon for parents to pay for their student’s entire education, setting money aside now to assist your child with college tuition and expenses is a good idea. See what one mom is doing to save for school.
