The Baby Shower Is An Important Tradition
Oh, wow! Someone is pregnant! Despite all the excitement and secrecy, friends of the mother -to-be will get in a huddle and arrange to have a baby shower. It is a useful tradition, especially for first time parents. Not only will the parents get much needed supplies for the infant, but the shower has other uses. A network of resource people for the new mom will be gathered there. They will soon make it clear that they are willing to be called upon for help. They will usually set up an informal plan at this time, ensuring that clothing and equipment will get passed down and around in the coming years. This recycling is common among today’s young parents.
When the shower night arrives, there is a real air of excitement and love in the air. All evening, silly games and activities will keep everyone involved in fun and laughter.
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.
The pretty but useless gifts come from well-meaning but childless people. They supply the cute little suits that require the infant’s co-operation to put on. They give things that will be stored for three years before they fit. They mean well. And their youthful enthusiasm will pay off when they volunteer to take the baby out for long walks.
Although the baby shower may have the appearance of a crazy ritual carried out by hysterical females, the hilarity disguises a very important message to the new, first time mom. She knows that the people involved are her friends. She can rely on them to help her cope with motherhood.