Tips for New Parents
Even though everyone is born able to have a baby, we all can use a little help in learning how to raise them! Not all of us got to watch our parents giving us the perfect examples of child rearing…or maybe we just weren’t paying enough attention? No worries! Here are some great tips for coping during your first year with baby:
- Set Some Sleepy Time Standards! Whether it’s a story, a song, a prayer, or all of the above, creating a special “ritual” for bedtime, helps a child shift gears and prepare for sleep. Also important, is keeping consistent bedtimes and naptimes everyday!
- Read up on child development! This will help you to know what behaviors to expect, and when! Watching your child’s interaction with the world will help you understand what kind of person you have on your hands – are they shy, or adventurous? Maybe your child is already communicating with you, letting you know when they’re tired or hungry. It’s quite exciting to see them growing into these behaviors!
- Relax! Every child is different! Even though “milestones” exist, they are not set in stone! Everything within a few months of most milestones is still considered normal development. It’s all just a part of the wonder that makes us all interesting and unique individuals…and not house plants! Each child will have their own favorite games, ways of communicating, and creature comforts – let their creativity lead the way!
- Family first! Family time has to take priority now. Make sure that each family member gets attention every day, even if that means some chores get done a little less often! The time you spend now will become a rich seed for the future of a trusting and loving relationship with your child!
- Don’t hesitate to ask! Not sure about something? Well, there really is no such thing as a stupid question! A doctor, or even a friend, can help you with those things you’re just not sure about. Even if it’s just to talk it out with a sympathetic ear, and figure it out for by talking it through, everything is better when shared!
- Don’t forget yourself in the process! The title speaks for itself! Eat well, get some exercise, don’t forget your own medical check-ups, and try to get as much sleep as you can! Let those you trust help you out to reach these goals. And when baby takes a na-na, make sure there’s some down time for mommy scheduled in as well!
