Universal Truths of Parenting

• Your child is always the most beautiful child you know
• children do not follow the script - if you want to show somebody how independent and confident your child is - that's the moment that they'll hide behind your legs and refuse to speak; on the one occasion when you don't take a spare outfit for the baby they'll simultaneously vomit and explode their nappy.
• They like to tease.  A couple of nights of sleeping all the way through from 7.30pm to 7am, and then they'll show you who's boss by just not going to sleep until at 11pm you give up and take them to your bed, where you'll at least get some sleep!  
• Nothing beats the beauty of your sleeping child, the sleepy smile in the morning, the first smiles of recognition etc. etc. 
• You cannot hurry a toddler.  The more you chivvy and chase and get stressed the more likely it is that they will hold a sit-down protest, or do something naughty enough to warrant a time out.
• No parent is ever confident that what they are doing is right.  If any parent seems to be sure of themselves and their parenting, then they are either a bad parent or they hide their insecurity well.  All parents worry constantly about whether they are doing the best thing for their children.
• Parenting is the most magical and scariest journey you'll ever make.