Top 5 Tips For New Parents
Becoming a parent for the first time is both exciting and terrifying. Even for a seasoned parent, each pregnancy, birth experience, and of ours each child brings a whole new experience. Here are 5 practical tips to help new parents feel confident and capable:
1. **Ask For Help**
First-time parents may doubt themselves simply because this is an entirely new experience. Experienced parents may be hesitant to ask for help because they feel that they “should know this already”. But if you have a question or a concern, it’s OK to ask for help. Your Pediatrician, family, and community can be a great source of help and support.
2. **Establish Routines Early**
Newborns often have erratic sleep/wake schedules. By 1-2 months old, they get into more of a rhythm and they often will have 1 relatively long stretch of sleep every 24 hours. Keep the house bright with overhead lights and sunlight during the day. Around 6-7pm, switch to softer lamps and softer sounds (cue the smooth jazz). When your baby eventually gives you that “long” stretch, the goal is to let it be overnight. Simple routines help your baby feel secure—and help you stay sane.
3. **Take Care of Yourself Too**
If you have ever been on an airplane, you know that the safety instructions specifically state that if the oxygen masks are deployed, parents should put their own mask on FIRST, then assist your child. Parenthood is a huge (and rewarding) sacrifice, but parents can only be effective when their basic needs are met. Your health and mindset matter. Try to rest when you can and ask for help without guilt.
4. **Forgive Mistakes…Especially Your Own!**
You are now a parent. Parents are humans. Humans make mistakes. There will be missteps, errors, and a plethora of opportunities for parenting guilt. However, it is important to know that every day is a new chance to learn and grow. Have grace with yourself, and don’t beat yourself up. After all, there is no perfect parent.
5. **Stay Connected**
I FIRMLY believe in the African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child”. Whether you are a single parent, a grandparent, adoptive parent, or other caregiver, you are never alone. Lean on your partner, friends, or a parenting group. Your child’s Pediatrician, Daycare provider, or even a neighbor are all great resources to stay connected. Community makes parenting lighter.
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Check out The Parenting Playbook for webinars and guides to support your journey.
