It came as quick as a snap of a finger–your little bundle of joy is now added to your growing family! And as much as you wished they came with a manual or something, they don’t. But not to worry, because we’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick guide on the parenting basics which will ease your day-to-day activities and fit right in your new lifestyle.
You Will Want To Do Everything, But You Don’t Have To
Your first-born means everything to you, yes. And as a new parent, you automatically think you need to be on top of everything. It’s a normal instinct, but trust us when we say, you also need rest. Taking care of your first child can be especially exhausting and that’s why the first rule of parenting basics is to take care of yourself too. The last thing you want is you getting sick and passing on your sickness to your child.
It’s Okay To Say No To The Extra Tasks
Ask your partner or a family member to switch roles and share the tasks. And while you’re at it, say no to the little unnecessary stuff that might drain your energy. In the long run, you will be thanking yourself you did. And remember, if you are down, you won’t be able to attend to your child’s needs as much as you want and it’ll be mentally and emotionally frustrating. Also, your laundry can wait.
Your Family Is Your Priority Now
Invitations can wait. Parties can be postponed. Plans shall have to be cancelled. All these and you still have to skip the guilt for doing so. Still filed under ‘Parenting Basics’, is choosing your family first above all else. Your children depend on you and the last thing you want is to be multi tasking your responsibilities while enjoying a night out with your college friends.
Create Mini Traditions for your family
Whether it’s just a picnic in the park once every month, or a Movie Marathon night every Friday. Creating bonding moments with your family will not only bring you closer together but also make a positive impact on their well-being. Your child will eventually see you as an example to their future kids and you will be just as proud you took the extra effort to do it.
Learn When To Save and When To Splurge
Learning to ease your budgeting skills for your family’s needs is a bit tricky. As part of parenting basics, you need to weigh things out whether it’s a want or a need first. Learn to compare and contrast your expenses to your earnings before shelling out money. The last thing you want is to be in debt while trying to provide the most expensive stuff to your family. Sure, you want the latest toy for your child, but it’ll cost you about 10 dinners or so. Do the math first and you’re good to go.
Spend Quality Time With Your Partner
You don’t need a fancy date to do it. A quick massage can do the trick. Or a short trip to the beach can give you both a break. Spending time with your partner can help you both get the rest you need and deserve. Entrust your children (if they’re still too young) to a doula or a family member when you need time off. Once a week will do the trick. A relaxed mind is all you need to get going and keep your sanity sometimes.
Motivate your children
To do better, and to be wiser. You might want your child to be on top of everyone but you don’t have to force it. She might be bad at singing, but her feet and body can dance. They can choose whatever they want to do just as long as they’re not breaking any rules. They can play as much as they want just as long as they know their limits. As a parenting basic, you don’t need to stop your children from doing what they want as long as they know their limitations. Stop comparing them to other kids and let them shine on their own. Motivate them to become better for themselves and not a competitor.
Learn more helpful parenting tips by visiting Children Central.
