"Just Wait Until..."

I came across an article in my email yesterday. In this article the “Just wait until…” phrase was stated to be something that was hurtful or harmful to a new mother. I may not be saying that right so just follow this link to read the article.

Now personally I don't mind this phrase. I've heard it most of my life. "Just wait till you get to high school." "Just wait till you're married and have to see him every day." "Just wait till you have your own little young 'un." But the way the article was talking about it was as one experienced mom to another inexperienced one. As I'm not a mother I decided to ask a new mom that I know personally. My kid sister (who from now on would like to be referred to as Wuffy on here) who you may remember from a post last month just had her first son. I asked her for a short “interview” about this and here it is…

~~~oOo~~~

Me: Since you had your son have you heard the infamous “Just wait until…” from any other moms?

Wuffy: Yes, multiple times from multiple people.

Me: Does it bother you at all?

Wuffy: {she contemplated for a second} Not really. I find it helpful to know that I’m not the only one that’s gone through this.

Me: How does it make you feel?

Wuffy: Like I said, it makes me feel like I’m not the only one. Like there’s someone who’s there that’s been through it before and can help me.

Me: So you don’t see it as “condescending” or “hurtful/harmful” to your self-esteem when an experienced mother tells you that they’ve experienced worse/better than you have?

Wuffy: Not at all. I understand that they’ve experienced more than me so I welcome any and all advice I can get.

Me: Since becoming a mom, have you used the phrase on any other mom?

Wuffy: No, but I have used it on myself.

Me: {chuckle} On yourself?

Wuffy: Yeah, {laugh} Like once someone said that he was so cute and I said “Just wait till he’s older he’ll be much cuter.” Not really an advice thing I guess but yeah.

Me: Do you think you’ll end up using the phrase later on in life to a new mother?

Wuffy: I probably will. Just because in my opinion it can be helpful. But if someone flat out says that they don’t like it then I’ll strive not to say it to them. I wouldn’t want to overstep my bounds.

Me: One more thing, your husband has children from a previous marriage so he’s kind of experienced with this. Has he ever said this to you?

Wuffy: No, actually. It’s quite surprising {chuckle}

Me: So, last question do I have permission to post a picture of your cute little baby boy on my blog?

Wuffy: Sure!

~~~oOo~~~

So here he is ladies and gentlemen: My nephew Ty!

So what are your thoughts on “Just wait until…” is it helpful  or hurtful? Have you ever used it on someone else?

)o( Jena