Parenting

"The art of mothering is to teach the art of living to children" - Elain Heffner

Parenting is defined as: is the process of raising a child from birth until adulthood.  Parenting is usually done by the biological parents of the child; however, the government and society takes a role on parenting as well.  Abandoned or orphaned children are often taken into parental care either by adoption, foster care or orphaned.

The goals of parenting are often debated.  Usually parents provide physical needs, protection from harm, impart skills and cultural value.

On June 20, 2010 - I became a parent for the first time.  Since then, my life has changed in all aspects of life - physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially.

Physically - During my pregnancy my body changed in many ways: morning sickness, change in hormones, and taking extra care of myself by eating healthy, and making healthy choices.

I have been breastfeeding my daughter from birth; therefore, I still have to eat healthy to provide nutrients for my daughter.  After giving birth, my body still was adjusting to a change in hormones.  For the first couple of months after my daughter's birth, I often lacked sleep due to my daughter's eating and sleeping schedule.  She would often sleep for 2-3 hours at a time and wake for a feeding.  It wasn't until a little after she turned one years old that I started getting regular hours of sleep.  She now stays up most of the day, with the occasional 1-3 naps a day; however, she sleeps all night with 2-3 feedings throughout the night.  It is normal for parents to feel tired, especially with the amount of parenting children require.  It is always great to have family and friends you can rely on for support.

Mentally - For the first couple of months my mind was fixated on my daughter.  All I could think about was my daughter's well-being.  I was cautious with everything I did, which is normal for first-time parents.  If you ever need professional support; you can go and see a counsellor, mental health worker, or social worker. 

Emotionally: I was very emotional during pregnancy, and especially after the birth of my daughter.  I cried a lot, later on I found out that I was suffering from post-partum depression.  I spoke to my doctor regarding my condition and he said that it is normal to suffer from post-partum depression because at the time I was so new to being a mother.  I became a single mother when my daughter was 6 months of age.  I went to go live in the same community as my parents and siblings for support.  My parents often taken care of my daughter when I need time to myself; especially when I have assignments and meetings to get to.  I often keep in touch with friends who are mothers as well, because it is great to share and discuss ideas and thoughts regarding our lives.

Financially: To raise a child costs a lot of money.  I googled images about the cost of raising children in Nunavut and here is the result I came up with:

The content of the photo is limited as to what you can read.  Here is the link to the site.

The first few years of a child are the most important for healthy growth and development.  Young children need safety, security, and love to feel good about themselves and others.  It is normal for parents to feel unsure about their child's growth and development.  Parents who engage in positive and consistent parenting at an early age face less issues with adolescent mental health, learning outcomes, social skills and risk-taking behaviour.

For a good start:  It's always important to get your child immunized.  Here is a link with information about immunizations:  A Parent's Guide to Immunizations

When my daughter has been immunized, I often keep a bottle of tylenol handy in case the immunization causes her to have a fever.


As a single parent, I often have little time to myself.  My daughter goes to daycar full-time, while I am a full-time student.  My daughter and I have been in and out of the hospital numerous times in the last month.  I often have to stay home with my daughter during school, at times my dad, mom or sister will watch my daughter so I can make it to class.  I am very thankful that I have the support of my family.  My parents often have my daughter over at their place, so I can get study or get homework done.  It is not easy being a single parent.  Cleaning up is also an important part of my schedule.  Sweeping, mopping, sanitizing, dishes, laundry, etc. can take a lot of time.  At times, I am so drained physically.  However, there are many ways to manage parenting:

- Have a support system that you can rely on when needed (family, friends, professional workers, groups, etc)
- Take time out for yourself when needed.  I often watch my favourite shows at night when my daughter is sleeping, or go for short walks after finishing an assignment.
- Have fun with your child!  Play, read, write, draw, talk, sing, go for walks.  Children enjoy being entertained. 
- Introduce something new to your child, perhaps something new to you as well.  Go somewhere different and do something different.  Get involved in child friendly groups such as reading groups.
- Ask a family member, friend to help you clean up, or entertain your child.
- Get plenty of rest.  You need it!  Take a nap with your child.
- When your child is sleeping, you can get whatever chores you need to get done or simply relax.


There are some parents whose living situations may affect their ability to effectively parent (divorce, death in family, addictions, illness) their child.  However, there are resources:

- Medical Services (Hospital, Clinics)
- Social Services
- Counselling Services
- Family
- Friends