14 Experiences That Every Parent Has First Rights Over

Updated on 8/16/2017 at 6:35 PM

Call it controlling if you'd like, but there are a few things in our kids' lives that I feel are a parent's God-given right to be present for. While most fall under the category of "firsts," I get that some things are out of our control, and if your baby starts to take his first steps with Grandma while you're on a much-needed adult vacation away, then so be it. And while I know any parent would love to be there for their baby's first belly laugh, we can't control if it's his nanny's sneeze that cracks him up. What I'm talking about are the other experiences that actually can be controlled and that no one should do before (or without) the parents being able to witness it too.

First bath.

Yes, I know the nurses generally give the baby one before heading home, but once there the parents have every right to want to be there to give the first bath.

First bottle.

Ah, this is a touchy one, but it's not uncommon for a mom to discover that someone (like, oh, Grandma, perhaps) up and decided to give an exclusively breastfed baby his first bottle.

First solid foods.

This is a big milestone in your baby's life. Feel free to demand that you be the first to serve up the mushy stuff.

First visit to see Santa, the Easter bunny, etc.

Unless you OK'd it first, you have every right to be angry if someone else took your child to see Santa for the first time.

First time in a swing.

There is something about seeing your baby in a swing at the park among all the other kiddos that is priceless.

Getting ears pierced.

Sounds crazy, but some folks believe a baby girl must have her ears pierced. Down here in South Florida, it's not surprising to hear that a grandmother took her little princess to get her ears pierced without the little princess's parents knowing about it.

First time in a pool.

Parents have every right to want to be there for their baby's first dip in the pool.

First birthday candle blow-out.

I have a friend who ran out of the room to grab her camera after putting the cake in front of her 1-year-old and came back to find that the deed had been done (coaxed by her family). She totally missed it and was crushed.

First finger food.

To see your baby, who up to this point has only been spoon-fed foods, actually pick up a finger food and attempt to put it in her mouth is an experience no parent should miss for the first time.

First taste of ice cream.

Ice cream is so good, and your baby is probably going to agree, so parents certainly will want to be there to experience the delight on his face at first taste.

First haircut.

I know many mamas who've been absolutely devastated when finding out her husband, mother, or nanny decided to cut baby's hair for the first time — or took him to get his first haircut without consulting her first.

First trip to the zoo.

I don't mean to keep throwing the grandparents under the bus here, but they are usually guilty of such outings, such as taking your kiddo to the zoo even when you've stated that you'd like to be there for his first visit.

Pulling out the first tooth.

Teeth fall out all the time when parents are not around, but when it comes to pulling them, the parent should have the option to yank it first (ew!).

First time on a bike.

And first time riding without training wheels, for that matter (though I wouldn't be mad if someone could teach my child how to ride without training wheels; that'd be amazing).