SoinLove
Making big changes
Member since 5/05 16541 total posts
Name:
Kristin
|
New Parents' Survival Guide...
A cute thing my MIL wrote up:
New Parents Suvival Guide
1. Always remember, no matter how tough it gets, that your baby is a precious gift from God.
2.SLEEP!! Your "precious gift" has no idea that you aren't sleeping when he/she is. As far as they're concerned, the entire world revolves around them, so when they're sleeping, of course, the world comes to a crashing halt.
3.TAKE TURNS! Most babies are lucky enough to have two parents. There is a very good reason for that. One person can't handle it alone (except in those rare cases you read about in the news). Maximize your 'two-ness' or 2 vs. 1. Don't try to do everything as a unit!
4.ASK FOR HELP! You both have family members and friends who wouldn't mind giving you a break once in a while. The bigger the family, the more willing particpants there are. Just don't overuse them - if they had baby on a bad night, give them a little extra time out of rotation. (NOTE: THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO GRANDPARENTS! They should have regular visits- and will insist on them-no matter what baby's mood!)
5.Make a regular "date night" and keep it in your schedule! It doesn't have to be a big night out, just time you set aside to remember why you became parents in the first place (because you LOVE each other, sillies!). Even if you are having a tough week with baby, just knowing you will have time off will get you through it.
6.CLEAN UP! You don't have to be superman or superwoman, just keep your living area as neat as possible. It will keep you sane!
7.GET A LIFE! Have some "me time" (let's not get crazy now, even 10 minutes for a relaxing bath will do.) Be sure to do one nice thing for yourself each day. It keeps you centered, and you won't feel sorry for yourself because of all the work you do for baby.
8. Keep your grooming habits! Make sure you take care of yourself like you did before baby, within limits. Don't forget to take that shower or get dressed. It will make you feel better about yourself, and about baby.
9. GET SOME FRESH AIR! It will do you wonders, and it works well for baby too. A nice walk around the block on a clear crisp day is sometimes all you guys need to fix what's ailing you! If it's an especially tough baby day, see if you can commandeer some of those useful family members to sit with baby while you and your significant other take that walk solo!
10. IN TIME, THIS TOO SHALL PASS. Babies tend to grow out of their baby-ness very quickly. As much as you want the colic, the teething pains, the sleeplessness to go away, with it goes cooing, the smiling (is it gas or not?), and the unadulterated joy in finding a toe or a finger. Accept the whole package for what it is and try to remember the happier times while gleaning over the not so happy times. (why do you think people have more than one child?)
|
