Being a new parent can be very daunting – especially when looking for advice. There are so many books, videos, websites, and more out there that it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily for you, we’ve done all the hard work already. Here are the essential tips that every new mum and dad needs to know.
Be kind to yourself
Being a parent isn’t easy – especially when it’s your first time. You aren’t going to get everything right. You won’t know everything straight away. You will make mistakes. This happens to every new parent, so cut yourself some slack.
Get technology right
Technology will play a huge role in your child’s life – there is no way of avoiding it. So instead of trying to hide your child from it, a better approach is to foster a healthy relationship with it. The best way to do this is to lead by example and show them content that’s good for them – like free cartoons for babies and toddlers.
Ask for help
Every parent needs help. No one expects you to do it alone because it’s basically impossible to raise a child without help. So, take this as written permission to accept any offers that you receive.
Don’t compare yourself to others
Parenting isn’t a competition. This is because no two families are the same, so to compare them simply wouldn’t be fair. Don’t focus on how well or poorly other parents may be doing. Instead, put your energy into being the best parent that you can be.
Don’t sweat the small stuff
Not everything needs to be perfect. If there’s a spill, just clean it up. If you can’t get all your errands done in a day – just try the next day. You’ll have infinitely more important things to worry about thanks to the new arrival in your life, so try to save your stress and worry for the bigger stuff.
Make the most of it
Don’t forget to cherish all the small moments. You only get to be a new parent once, so in between the stress and lack of sleep, it’s important to try to soak up as much of the experience as possible. These little moments – like a smile or a laugh – will be memories that will last a lifetime.
Build a support network
A network of support is a great way to take some of the stress out of being a new parent. Having friends or family with children that are of a similar age can help in times of crisis or simply to organize a play date. It never hurts your child to make new friends – and who knows, you might too!
Conclusion
Hopefully, after reading this, you can feel a little better about the journey that you’re about to embark on.
