Avoid meltdowns: “Don’t promise anything to your kids – they’ll take is a blood oath. Plans also change a lot, especially with young kids. Lots of parents noted how different their kids were and that they wished they had not expected all of their kids to be the same. Many parents posted the reminder that “what works one week may not work the next” so don’t get too attached to routine.Īll Kids Are Different. Especially when very young, kids change at lightning speed and parents who are expecting this are most prepared. Traditions can be related to holidays, birthdays or seasons annual adventures your family counts on or even just favorite meals that you share each week.Įxpect It. states that “family traditions enhance children’s emotional well-being by helping to create feelings of security, continuity and identity” in this article, which also includes suggestions of traditions to try in your family. Tradition! Many parents said that new traditions that they set up with their families create great memories. But some parents said that memories of times they put the camera or phone away and focused in on the moment are more special than any photo or video. They suggested apps that automatically create photo books for you, so you’ll have all those photos organized and printed on the regular. Many encouraged taking as many as possible, especially video, and to be sure you get some of you in the picture. When the opportunity for you to share a happy moment with a child comes, their advice is to seize it! Similarly, parents emphasized that “simple stuff matters: plant flowers, read books, play on the floor, look in their eyes.”Ĭapture the Moment…Or Not: Parents had differing views on photos and videos. Just Do It: Again and again, parents wished that they had read one more story when their child begged, played a game instead of doing the dishes, taken a walk or bike ride on a beautiful night, etc. Of course, experienced parents looking back at the baby years felt nostalgic! Here are some things they wish they had done to cherish those times more.
Confidence is key, and will make you feel stronger and your kids feeling safe and loved. At the doctor, at school, when dealing with grandparents even, advocate for your kid and trust yourself. “Trust your gut” – One commenter summed it up this way: “Even brand-new parents know their kids best.” Be confident in your understanding of your kid. One warned, “Don’t miss out on opportunities to build community because your house isn’t cleaning or you are in dirty clothes etc. Also understand it’s message: “the laundry/dishes/thank you notes/photo-framing can wait while you rest.” Many parents looked back with regret on times that they refused a visitor because their house wasn’t clean. “Sleep when the baby sleeps” – This may feel impossible, but don’t take it only literally. One parent wrote, “Don’t let anyone convince you to discipline, sleep train, carry your baby, feed your baby – ANYTHING – that doesn’t jive with the way you want to parent.” Do what works for your family, and if something isn’t working, try something else. “Do what works for you” – There is a plethora of parenting advice out there, and it can make your head spin and send you into a frenzy of guilt. Reframing your time away and thinking of it as an investment in your ability to parent better in the future may help you get out the door. “Take care of you so you can take care of them,” they said.
“Take time for yourself” – It feels hard, and sometimes even selfish, to peel yourself away from your young family, but lots of experienced parents posted the reminder that it makes you a better parent. Will my baby ever sleep through the night? Will she never eat anything but French fries? But, seasoned parents say that remembering that every phase will pass can help you muscle through the tough ones. “This too shall pass” – Especially in the early years of parenting, when you’re in the middle of a challenge it feels like it will never end. Some of the canned advice new parents hear rings true, according to our experts: It’s parenting advice you can’t live without. Here’s a sampling of the best words of wisdom from our village. Advice from local parents just a few years ahead of you in the parenting game is priceless.
0 kommentar(er)
