It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re about to become a parent, especially when you’re getting advice from all sides. As a result, we’ve put together this handy guide of quick tips from savvy parents and experts to help you get started and gain the confidence you’ll need to embrace your new role.
1. Live in the moment – You are granted permission to put your checklist on hold – doing the laundry, pumping, and buying diapers – and enjoy those precious moments with your baby.
2. Don’t overthink toddler meals – Expect peculiar eating habits. Keep it fresh. Don’t force, don’t panic. They’ll eat when they’re hungry.
3. Stick to a regular bedtime – Your child will sleep well, and you will recharge.
4. Say no – When you get better at turning down requests that don’t benefit your child, you’ll need to do so fewer times. The way to say ‘no’ to your child at the supermarket is once, or you can say it every night once that carton is sitting in your freezer at home.
5. Make mini traditions – Before your child’s birthday, place balloons around the kitchen table so he wakes up to a special day. Play a funny sound when you’re in an elevator with your kids. Keep a secret handshake reserved for big occasions.
6. Prepare for sick days – Rehydrate your child with rehydration drinks like Pedialyte, Gatorade, or Vitamin Water so that you don’t have to rush to the store when they are vomiting in the middle of the night.
7. Know your child – Every child is unique, with their own strengths and challenges. Make an effort to personalize your response to the child in front of you.
8. Gather your team – Determine who you can call if you need to vent—friends who will give you their opinion when you ask for it and keep their mouth shut when you don’t, and who would go to great lengths to support you and your family (and vice versa). Love them fervently and thank them frequently.
9. Keep in mind that you are a role model – Make being a mother appealing to your child so that she will want to have children and you will be able to become a grandparent one day. She won’t be inspired to become a mom if you’re continually worried, pouty, or fussy.
10. Allow your partner to take control – Encourage him to be in charge of bathing, reading, or tummy time because he’s all in (or all three). They’re fantastic bonding activities, as well as a chance for you to relax.
11. Talk about financial decisions – Explain your reasoning to your child when you buy a brand of cheese because it’s less expensive (but just as delicious) or pass on a purse you like “until it’s on sale.”
12. Read to your youngster on a daily basis – It contributes to the development of creativity and is time well spent.
13. Begin with small and big modifications – What’s the difference between a bottle and a sippy cup? From a crib to a bed? Of course, you want these adjustments to happen as easily and swiftly as possible, but this can be stressful for your child. Allow him to first play with the new cup or sit and read with him on the new bed. You can make the switch official once he’s acclimated to the new sensory sensations.
14. Assist your child to fall asleep on her own – Feed her as soon as you are ready for bed. Put her down while she’s still awake but tired after a bath, books, and cuddling. She’ll always require your help to nod asleep if you feed or rock her to sleep.
15. Teaching responsibilities – Encourage your children to help around the house by emptying trash cans, making their beds, preparing the table, and putting their toys away. Helping with domestic chores boosts self-esteem since you put your trust in them to complete the work.
16. Trust your gut feelings – When your child isn’t feeling well, even if you can’t figure out what’s wrong, your instincts will tell you that he needs to look.
17. Don’t take the role of butler – Competence is encoded into your children. So start teaching them to hang their jackets in the closet and to throw their filthy clothes in the hamper when they’re little.
18. When you make mistakes, stand up to them – Apologize if you make a mistake with your child (or your partner). This will educate your children that it’s fine to make a mistake as long as you admit it and apologies.
19. Set time for yourself – You’re less likely to respond to your youngster in a beneficial manner if you’re upset. You are not required to react immediately. Taking a short break allows you to relax and think things over.
20. Nudge in the direction of sibling harmony – Have each child take turns sharing what he liked about his brother or sister that day during supper. This encourages children to focus on the positive aspects of their siblings rather than the flaws.
21. Mostly Close windows – Keep windows closed and latched on the bottom to eliminate the possibility of your child falling. don’t encourage her to climb by placing low furniture close to a window.
22. Be ready, just like a Boy Scout – Always take at least one change of clothes for each little child while leaving the house.
23. Don’t Be a humblebrag parent – Relax when friends brag about their clever or supertalented child. They’re probably lying or exaggerating.
24. Tell “age tales” – Allow your child to choose a number that is less than your current age before bedtime. Then tell her about an unusual event that occurred when you were that age.
25. Put your phone down – That call/text/e-mail can wait while you’re with your kids. They can tell if you aren’t paying attention.
26. Feel nature – Every day, try to get outside for at least a few minutes and move beneath the stars. It’s an opportunity to get away from screens and sedentary activities and develop a rain or shine routine that will benefit your child for his or her life.
27. Don’t be serious every time – Life can be very serious at times. let your children see you laugh, make silly faces, and chase them around the house shouting, “I’m going to get you!”
28. Instead of driving, take a walk – Use your legs for small errands and playdates around the neighborhood. Talk, play “I spy,” or hop over cracks in the sidewalk with your youngster while you walk.
29. Don’t be a pal, be a parent – It is not your responsibility to be well-liked. Your children may not like you right now. They’ll always admire you for setting clear expectations, though.
30. Make math more enjoyable – Play with numbers, sizes, and forms whenever possible. When you’re in the grocery store, count the oranges and apples as you put them in the bag. Inquire with your child about the tallest cereal box. Draw attention to the clock’s circle and the window’s rectangle.
31. Make Rules – Maintain strict adherence to your regulations. But first, double-check if they’re reasonable.
32. Be Joyful and dance – Turn on some music and shake off the day when you’ve had enough of being talked to and bored of unending demands. It’s difficult not to smile when you’re having a good time (and watching your kids dance).
33. Respond to the never-ending “why” questions – This is easier said than done, yet young children are naturally intrigued about everything. They may cease asking if you don’t react to their questions.
34. Make a backup of your pictures and videos – You don’t want to lose digital memories that are priceless. Purchase a backup hard disc or subscribe to a cloud service.
35. Teach greetings – Teach your child how to greet people. In a variety of situations, teach your child to make eye contact, smile, and meet new people. Then have her put it to the test. When it comes to making a first impression, you only get one chance.
36. Thankfulness in the spotlight – Make up the term BPOD (the best portion of the day) and go over it every night. Reflecting on the positive aspects of life is a delightful habit that promotes joy and optimism.
37. Feel free to gush – Let your child know how much you adore him and what you think makes him unique through your actions and words.
Hope you have learned something helpful with our post.
