If you’re a new mom reading this – congratulations! You’ve just entered one of the most exciting periods of your life. The thing is, being a new mom isn’t easy. If it were, the many mothers that have gone before you would have figured it out by now. That being said, there is plenty of great advice out there to help you along the way. Here are some of the parenting tips that all new mothers need to know.
Don’t do it alone
You know the phrase “it takes a village”? This is talking about kids and that it is more than just their parents to raise them. As tips go, this is probably one of the most important ones to remember. It’s likely that at various points, you’ll feel pressure to be the perfect parent, and that you need to do everything on your own. The simple truth is that you can’t. There is only so much that a single person can do, especially as a parent. So, start by taking the pressure off yourself and remind yourself that no one else raised their kids entirely alone, and you don’t have to either.
Next, we want to empower you to accept the offers of help that you will inevitably receive. If someone offers to carpool your kids to school, say yes. If friends and family offer to babysit, say yes! This help will allow you to rest and be a better mom.
Consistency matters
Consistency is very important for young minds as they learn how the world works and how to behave. Whether it’s regular meal times, the same bedtime, or being consistent with discipline and praise, consistency is important for kids. It helps them to form good habits, understand boundaries, and better understand how to and how not to behave.
Screen time can be a good thing
If you ask your parents about screens, their advice will likely be out of date. Today, screens are essential for you and will be the same for your kids too. So, instead of trying to avoid it, you should aim to make it a good thing instead. For example, there are great free cartoons for babies that you can show your little one that will educate and entertain them at the same time. There are also great educational apps and other resources that will be good for your child.
Open windows from the top
This is less of a general tip, but something people often overlook. To help keep your little one safe, open windows from the top if possible. Alternatively, only open your higher windows to avoid creating hazards for your little ones as they explore.
Take in the little moments
Last but not least, try to take in as much of the experience as possible. You’ll only be a new mother once, so cherish it as much as you can. Between the changing, tantrums, lack of sleep, smells, and messes, there will be a lot of tough days. There will also be many moments that you will cherish for the rest of your life, so don’t let them pass you by.
Final thoughts
No one expects you to be perfect. All you can do is be the best mother that you can possibly be! By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be taking a step in the right direction.