Becoming a new parent is a beautiful thing. Even with all the intimidating articles that you might have already read about sleeping, feeding time, crying, and stinky diapers- you’ll get the reward of a lifetime in the struggle to manage all these new concepts of life- a child that calls you mom, or dad.
There are so many new adventures that await you! So it is crucial that as you prepare for baby physically, you also prepare mentally and emotionally. We’ve compiled a list of 5 essential tips from different parenting blogs that we believe you should know about as you step into parenthood. To talk to someone about parenting or get involved in our parenting classes click here.
1. Be Flexible
To breastfeed or bottle-feed? Pacifier or not? These are all questions you might have already answered and discussed with your partner, but answers and opinions can drastically change when baby shows up and begins to behave differently than you might have expected.
Or perhaps after several weeks of breastfeeding and enjoying the experience you’ve decided to continue breastfeeding longer than the allotted time you anticipated. The truth is, it’s all fine. Be flexible with dates, expectations, and decisions. This is your child and you, along with your partner, are the ones that will be the most proactive individuals in his/her life, so allow yourself room to change your decisions and explore new options as you learn more about yourself and your baby.
The Everymom Blog says, “Being flexible in your approach to preserve your mental and physical wellness makes you a great mother and you and your baby will be better for it.”
2. Connect
Seeing eye to eye with your partner is not always possible, and that’s why Janeen Hayward of Swellbeing, Recommends communication that provides honest feedback and solutions that work for everyone.
“This is time to talk about what you need, what’s working and what’s not working.”
3. Forgive
Made a mistake? Got frustrated? Yelled a little? It happens. As a first time mom you’ll begin to learn that as much as you love this cute, squishy human being, you don’t like being awoken several times during the night, any more than when you had no children. You might get a little frustrated with the little one when she/he begins potty-training and uses a page from a book as toilet paper, or soils their pants during a doctor’s visit. Whatever the case, the inevitable is that you will get upset, but don’t lose hope!
“Understand that it’s entirely normal to feel guilty after losing it. And take heart, for there is a silver lining. You now have an opportunity to model responsibility and problem-solving for your child.”
4. Be Kind
Don’t forget the power of kindness. Just as you would like for someone to treat your child kindly, you got to take that first step to treat yourself kindly. Making small habits to practice self-care will not just make you feel better, and maybe enhance your appearance! -it is teaching your child, in the long run, that he/she can choose to be kind to himself/herself no matter what mistakes they make in the future. Here’s what an article from Greater Good Magazine says:
“Since children imitate our example, treating ourselves with compassion and without judgment can help them do the same.”
5. Laugh!
Lastly, but certainly not the least important- remember to have fun and laugh through this new, beautiful journey! Don’t stress out about the little things, or the big things. Take each day as a unique, God-given blessing to love your child, your partner, and the relationships you have. And when you make a mistake- because we all do- make amends, and then laugh! Dr. Harvey Karp of Happiest Baby
“Remember, perfection is found only in the dictionary. So, forget dignity, forget organization, be gentle with yourself and…laugh, laugh, laugh! Laughter raises your spirits, lowers your stress and is exactly what this doctor orders!”
For more tips and help regarding parenting and pregnancy visit us at 1801 18th St or call for an appointment.