“Precious First Born” Syndrome

I read the funniest article today, and disturbingly found myself nodding along with a surprising amount of it. Basically, there has been a survey done by Mumsnet about the neurotic behaviour of first time mums, which they have coined “precious first born syndrome”. It cites over 100 confessions of irrational behaviour from mums, such as testing the none-sting formula of shampoo by rubbing it into their own eyes; and stalking the in-laws when they take the baby out for a walk. One mother even admitted to having kicked her husband, and screaming at him banshee-style because he dared to cross the road whilst pushing the pram, without asking her if it was safe first!

It got me thinking of the most neurotic things I have done, and it’s true there are more of them with SnugBoy#1 than SnugBoy#2. But that’s simply down to knowing better the second time around, not because of any deep and meaningful greater love for SnugBoy#1.

It’s true, I am renowned in my family for being abnormally hung up on rashes – I scrutinise the boys if they even hint at having a rash (although that may be a thing of the past now we are over the dreaded pox). And the first time we left SnugBoy#1 it was for a dinner 80 miles away, and I insisted on driving back rather than stay overnight because I didn’t want to leave him. I am probably less protective of SnugBoy#2, but not because I love him any less – just because I am more laid back now (not sure SnugMan would agree there!)

So, what crazy things have you done for your PFB? Go on, it’s confession time!

Photo credit: spaceodissey on flickr