Whether you’re pregnant or a new mom, the experience can feel very overwhelming. While it is the most exciting and enriching journey, you will often experience self-doubt and negativity. However, those feelings become infinitely worse when the realities of parenting take you by surprise.
Therefore, a better understanding of what to expect as a parent should be a priority. Pay attention to the five truths below and the road ahead will be smoother.
#1. All Babies Develop At Different Rates
As a parent, you will learn about several milestones that your baby should hit. While they do provide a rough guide for what to expect, they can also introduce a lot of stress. If your child falls behind the anticipated milestones, it gives you a chance to investigate potential issues. In many cases, though, children simply develop at different speeds.
Every parent should want to monitor progress, but learning not to let guidelines rule your lives is liberating. Your intuition will let you know if there is an issue that requires attention.
#2. Signs Are More Important Timelines
Following on from developmental guidelines, you also need to understand your baby’s cues that they are ready to move to a new stage. Knowing when to stop swaddling is far more reliant on spotting changes in behavior than hitting a certain age. Becoming more attuned to those symptoms as a parent enables you to always keep your baby more comfortable.
Once again, then, familarizing yourself with timelines is worthwhile. Ultimately, though, every baby is unique and must be cared for with this in mind.
#3. Other People Aren’t Always Right
As a new parent, you will be bombarded by information from all directions. Not least from friends and relatives. However, even the people who mean well won’t always give accurate advice. For example, what worked back in your nanna’s era may not be relevant now. Meanwhile, some people may give you bad advice out of jealousy or other negative responses.
There’s nothing wrong with listening to the advice that people give, but you don’t have to take it on board. What works for your family is the best solution.
#4. You Aren’t Alone
While not all “help” is useful, it’s important to acknowledge that it does exist. Not only is help available, but it also shows you’re not alone. Professional support can help you with a wide range of issues like diagnosing common childhood conditions. Meanwhile, forums for parents are a great outlet to discuss concerns or pick up tips and advice.
In addition to the direct support that aids your child, it will deliver the emotional comfort you deserve.
#5. Your Wellness Matters
Finally, every mom must realize that it’s OK to consider their needs too. An unhealthy and unhappy mom will find it harder to unlock their true potential as a parent. From family reunions to social activities with friends, creating recreational moments is vital. It is also pay to work on your physical and mental wellness through exercise and deep breathing.
The benefits will be seen right away. Better still, it positions you to play a more prominent role in your child’s life as they become older and active.
Leave a Reply