As i get further along in my pregnancy, one topic seems to always invade my thoughts. Will i make a good mother? Or will i end up as one of those mothers that everyone thinks should never have had kids. (god i pray not).

How would i chose to parent my son, having to make double the decisions being both father and mother? I figured i would most likely take the same stand on certain things as my mother, but what about the other things?

What about dating? Curfew? The friends he hangs out with? Phone calls during dinner?

Looking back now, i realize that my mother was very lenient about alot of things. Even though at the time, I thought it was outrageously strict.

I realize that it is quite impossible to plan out everything for the next 18 years, in the first 9 months. Although most don’t find out about pregnancy till three months, so actually 6 months. I digress. I just keep thinking about my parenting style and what it’s going to be like generally.

A couple weeks ago, i had a conversation with my sister Candace. Luckily, i have Gmail, (which i would recommend to everyone. And do!) so i don’t have to worry about stressing out my pregnancy induced forgetful mind, and i can copy-paste the chat!

ok. Now i feel stupid. I cant find the chat. hahaha.

Anywho. The chat was about what type of mom i was planning to be, how i would raise my son, and i guess that’s what really got me thinking about it almost daily.

And then, about a week ago, i come across my best friend Danielle’s Lynyrd Skynyrd CD. What was the first song on the CD? Simple Man. If you don’t know the song, it is about a mother giving advice to her only son. My situation exactly right?

“Now momma told me. When i was young,
Come sit beside me, My only son.
And Listen closely baby, to what i say.
And if you do, It will help you.
Some sunny day.

Boy take your time.
Don’t live to fast.
Troubles will come. Oh and they will pass.
You’ll find a woman, Oh baby, and You’ll find love.
And dont forget son, there is someone up above.

And be a simple, kinda man.
Oh be something, You love and understand.
Oh baby be a simple, be a simple man.

Oh wont you do this, only son. if you can.

Forget your lust. For rich mans gold.
All that you need. Is in your soul.
Oh you can do this. Oh baby. If you try
All that i want for you my son, is to be satisfied.

And be a simple, kinda man.
Oh be something, You love and understand.
Baby be a simple, be a simple man.

Oh wont you do this, only son. If you can

(Oh yes i will, I’ll be your simple man)

Boy dont you worry. You’ll find yourself.
Follow your heart, Oh and nothing else.
And you can do this. Oh baby, If you try.
All that i want for you my son. Is to be satisfied.

Repeat Chorus x2″

I listened to this song, this time, more intently than i have listened to any other song. It just seems to make perfect sense to me, on how i want to raise my son. This is exactly what i want for Jordan. My next step is how to convey this concept to him.

I could not have said it any better than Lynyrd.

-Teenage mom.