Reflections of a New Mother on the Similarities Between Caring for an Infant and Working With Organizations or What New Babies and Clients

By Rosemarie M. Barbeau

You have to start where they are—which can be tough because they can't always tell you exactly
where that is, in words.
It doesn't help to get upset just because they are.
Sometimes what looks like a smile is really a gastric distress.
Sometimes when they are just inconsolable and they simply need to emote.
They want what they want when they want it and when they get it they don't want it anymore.
They operate on their timetable, not yours-they are ready when they are ready-not when you
are ready for them to be ready.
You will fare better if you focus on "what is" rather than how it should be.
There is much that is outside of your immediate (or any other kind of) control.
"This too shall pass," or: if things are going well, there will soon be a breakdown and if things are
going badly, they will get better.
It helps if they are cute.
It helps if they like you.
You are not the center of their universe.
You can, however, be very important.
When you actually make a difference with them, it makes it all worthwhile.
When you can't is when you begin to learn about yourself.