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New parents are both in for a treat and some new challenges. You’ll get through it with grace when you have some great words of advice going into it.
Adapting to new parenthood is excellent both for you and your baby, and before you know it, you’re well on your way. Keep reading to learn more about parenting so that this new journey starts off smoothly.
In This Post:
1. Go Easy on Yourself
First things first — relax! Parenthood is quite possibly the most daunting and scary time that you’ll go through, so beating yourself up and being hard on yourself won’t help matters.
Go into it with wonder and exploration in mind, and always remind yourself that you’re going to make mistakes and are never going to be perfect. Getting this out of the way lets you move forward without fear and apprehension.
2. Practice Self Care and Get Lots of Rest
If you have ever been on an airplane, you’ve heard the preflight instructions. One of the most critical instructions imparted is to put your oxygen mask on first in the event of an emergency, so that you can then help others.
Take this analogy and apply it to your household. While your parental instincts dictate that you tend to your baby’s need ASAP, make sure that you’re also prioritizing taking care of yourself each day so that you always have enough to give.
Start by taking ownership of your sleep schedule. When you’re sleeping well and getting plenty of hours in, you will always wake up more refreshed and will be better able to respond to each day with mental sharpness and clarity.
Make sure that you’re eating as healthily as possible, finding time to exercise, and minimizing stress in your life to the best of your ability.
3. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
It takes a village to raise a child, so make sure that you rely on all the help that you have in your life. Use this new time to strengthen your bond with the other parent, while also developing teamwork strategies that help to lighten each other’s burdens.
This will give you breaks when you need them, while also learning to work off of each other and step in when the other needs help. Both of you will step into your parent functions easier when you are on the same page.
4. Become an Avid Learner
You also should dedicate yourself to learning as much as you can about parenting, babies, childhood development, and life as a whole. The more you know, the more you will be able to impart knowledge to your child, while also executing strategies that work.
Whether you think you’re headed toward authoritative parenting or a more empathic approach, there are points of information that you will want to put to use.
5. Begin Developing Routines and Processes
The more that you simplify your life, the easier time you will have adjusting to new parenthood. Your baby is a bundle of chaotic energy that can sometimes be unpredictable. When you add normalcy and predictability to your everyday life, it makes it easier for you to respond to the tumultuous matters that come with the territory.
Get religious about scheduling and setting appointments for anything important. Put together checklists, journal, and plan out your days well in advance. Choose your outfits in advance and automate as many things in your life as you can.
Do your best to also get your baby on routines that they can stick to. Once they are accustomed to eating and sleeping at a certain time each day, it’ll smooth things out and make them less cranky. Before you know it, things that seemed incredibly difficult before will become part of your everyday life.
6. Develop a Strong Community and Support System
Your support system will also extend beyond your household. When it’s all said and done, your child will have plenty of time with aunts and uncles, cousins, babysitters, teachers, and so many other influences.
No one does it all alone, and we’re all part of small communities. Lean into your community and seek parental guidance from others who have children. These are the people that you will exchange notes with and seek for support, so keep those bonds tight throughout the years.
7. Take the Time to Appreciate Each Moment
Finally, make sure that you recognize that parenthood is a gift. It’s easy to get caught up in the moments that stress you out or leave you scratching your head, but don’t forget to also appreciate every step of the way.
Time flies, and as stressful as it is dealing with a new baby, you will look back at this time fondly as your child rapidly grows and changes. Before you know it, you’re on to bigger and different issues, such as baby teeth not falling out or having trouble getting your child to face the monsters and sleep in their own bed.
Live in the moment to the best of your ability, and develop a strong bond with your new bundle of joy.
Work on Your Parenting as You Learn and Grow
Parenting is fun and exciting, but it can also be downright scary. The tips above will help you make sure that you’re learning and growing every step of the way.
We’re happy to provide you with life-changing info whenever you need it. Check out our other tips when you’d like to learn more about parenting and family life.