The Struggles Of Parenthood: The Best Advice For New Parents

 

Being a parent for the first time can change your life tremendously. Sometimes this is a positive thing, sometimes a bit negative. No matter how adorable newborns are, parenting is not only rainbows and butterflies. It is a great privilege that comes with huge responsibilities. From deciphering the cry of the baby to reconnecting with your partner…the challenges are endless!

Whether it’s following your gut or remembering to take some time off, parenting becomes so much easier when you have the right trick in your sleeve. Life is too short to learn everything out there you might need. 

To help you navigate through the journey of parenthood, we’ve come up with a list of advices for new parents. Stick around till the end to know more!

Reading plan:

• The Reason Parenting Is So Hard The First Time
• Some Advice for New Parents
• Follow Your Gut
• Set Realistic Expectations
• Accept Help If Offered
• Take some time off
• Common Mistakes To Avoid As A New Parent
• Panicking Over Everything
• Not Getting Enough Sleep
• Spending Too Much Money
• Final Thoughts

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The Reason Parenting Is So Hard The First Time

Being a parent is incredibly rewarding, but it also requires a lot of work. And that is especially true for new parents. Along with patience, hard work and dedication go along with the new “job position” that is 24/7. Even though the whole process becomes relatively easier after you gain experience with the first child. This is something a new parent does not have.

So many new parents feel confused about what to do and what not to do. And, with a growing list of responsibilities, it becomes so much easier to get overwhelmed, isolated and eventually depressed as a new parent. Many new parents are unaware that it is a trial-and-error process. While it may appear to be stressful at first, it is not as difficult as some people describe it.

There two (in our opinion) main reason what causes the most difficulties among parents. First, most people are full of expectations this influences everything. Expectations about the children, about the partner, about the child rearing process. And struggle number two is the self-sacrifice. People are not ready to give up their hobbies and invest their time with their children.

*Related: The ultimate new mom care package: The best gifts for new moms!

Some Advice for New Parents

Parenting is never supposed to be an easy journey. But with the right guidance, the journey will become a lot less overwhelming. Below is a list of tips among which is the best advice for new parents that will help YOU embrace the parenthood!

Follow Your Gut

Thanks to technology, getting conflicting information is now easier than ever. While it’s true that there’s some useful information out there, confusing opinions can block out your instincts. Moreover, once the baby comes, almost everyone around you feels obligated to offer advice. With all these contradictory guidelines and unsolicited advice, some parents start to second-guess everything!

But when it comes to your baby, the only opinion that matters the most is yours. Each baby is unique in its own way and what works best for others, might not work for you. So, instead of succumbing to the chaos, follow your guts. Because no one knows your baby better than you do. It is good idea to invest in reading books but let your inside voice lead you.

*Related: What is Nurturing Parenting? Qualities of the Nurturing parent.

Set Realistic Expectations

Parenting can be highly unpredictable and it is easier said than done. There will be times when you will feel confused and isolated. Setting an unrealistic expectation about parenting can only make things worse. It will be hard to accomplish and will leave you with emotional discomfort each time you fail to meet them.

As a new parent with tons of responsibilities, the last thing you need is guilt or more stress. While there will be moments of laughter and sweetness, you have to acknowledge all the struggle that comes with it.

And, to deal with the struggles of parenthood, setting realistic goals is the way to go! Prepare yourself for a life of unpredictability and try to make peace with your role as a parent.

Accept Help If Offered

Babies are a lot of work and taking care of them on your own might feel overwhelming at times. Getting some help will allow you to unwind and lift your mood. And, taking care of your baby is much easier when you are in a good mood.

It can be difficult to ask for help and, more importantly, to recognize when you need it in the early stages of parenthood. Don’t hesitate to say yes to help when people around you offer it. They wouldn't volunteer if they didn't want to help in the first place.

Even if they do not offer to help, ask for it when you need it. If you can afford it, hiring a nanny will be convenient in many ways. And it is interesting and funny that usually new parents say “No!” to help offers.

*Related: 10 Things I Wish I Knew as a First Time Mom Before Having a Newborn Baby

Take some time off

Parenting is all about setting priorities right. But just because you are a parent, doesn't mean you have put yourself last. Everyone deserves to have some “me” time, and new parents are no exception. Acknowledging you need a break won’t make you any less of a parent.

While adjusting to your new life, you have to remember who you used to be. And, to regain a sense of normalcy, it’s important to take some time off. Celebrate your parenthood by returning to your former hobbies.

Be it going out for coffee, or reading a book, remembering to pause and take some time off will help you avoid parenting burnout. It will do wonders for your mental health as well!

Common Mistakes To Avoid As A New Parent

Parenting is a process of trial and error. Especially if you happen to be a new parent, making some mistakes is inevitable. However, being aware of them can make the process less stressful for parents. 

Panicking Over Everything

Every new parent makes the mistake of panicking over everything. Being overly concerned with every little thing can get in your way of enjoying the first stages of parenthood.

Babies grow up way too fast. If you want to enjoy your parenthood to the fullest, you have to let the little things go. Instead of losing your sleep over what might go wrong, try to be in the present and savor every moment!

*Related: What does the Bible say about parenting?

Not Getting Enough Sleep

A newborn makes it nearly impossible to sleep through the night. Frequent feeding, changing, and crying tend to get in the way of sound sleep of new parents. But lack of sleep can make you feel cranky. It can weaken your immune system too.

As long as you're getting enough sleep, you'll be able to handle your new responsibilities much more effectively. You'll have more patience, and you'll feel much better about your parenting abilities. Don’t let sleep deprivation steal the joy of parenthood. Place the crib next to you and try to co-sleep with your baby when you have the chance!

*Related: 10 Must Haves Postpartum Essentials for Mom and Newborn

Spending Too Much Money

I advise new parents to be extra careful about how they manage their cash. Having a newborn can cost a lot of money. But some first time parents tend to go the extra mile when it comes to buying things for their baby. Baby products are too cute to resist and can generate impulse buying. But, be it clothes, strollers, or diapers, babies outgrow them in the blink of an eye.

Make sure to make a list every time you go shopping. An expert by your side while shopping can help you cut through the hype. Instead of splurging money on unnecessary items, only get the things that you need. It will allow you to save a lot of money down the road to ensure a secured life for your child.

Final Thoughts

If you worry about being a good parent, it means that you are already on your way to being a great parent. Being the foundation of a little human is the biggest joy of a parent. And, when you have the right guidance, enjoying the joy of parenthood becomes a breeze!

I hope this article on advice for new parents will help you navigate the beautiful journey of parenthood. Thanks for making it to the end!

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Blessings!