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Welcome To The World of Parenting!
You have now joined the club of sleep deprivation, constant worrying, conversations about poopy diapers and experiencing fluctuating doubts and anxiety as to your ability to parent. Becoming a new parent can be stressful and exhausting but it will also be the most rewarding experience in your life. As a parent and a Parent/Child Relationship Specialist, I have discovered 5 effective techniques to become an effective, nurturing, loving and responsible parent of a newborn.
Learn to take care of yourself first:
However exhausting being a spouse, a parent and working inside and/or outside the home can be, if you do not take care of you, then your other responsibilities will suffer. Taking a 10-minute bubble bath, or reading a book that you enjoy for 5 minutes or taking a 10-minute nap will rejuvenate you so you are more able to take on your other roles.
Trust in who you are as a parent:
Being a parent seems to be open game for criticism and scrutiny. You will notice that many other people in the community will offer you advice and scrutinize the methods you are using. Some advice will be good, some will not, and a lot of advice you hear will conflict with each other and your opinions about parenting. Be open to new ideas and advice, but in the end, remember that you are the parent. Trust that you and your spouse will make the right decisions for your new family.
Make time for you and your spouse:
Being a parent does not mean that you and your spouse are no longer a couple. Parenting is the only relationship where you are working toward separation. Remember, eventually your child will become independent and move out. You do not want to reach that day and find you are living with a stranger. Work on getting a babysitter you will trust with your child so you and your spouse can enjoy much needed and deserved time alone. If you and your spouse are happy your baby will be too.
Allow your spouse to join in:
Sometimes new parents become possessive of their role and feel that nobody can parent or change a diaper the way they can. Even if that is true, your spouse needs to be able to bond with the baby and feel confident that you will support his efforts and not scrutinize them. Enjoy the time they spend together. Take advantage of this time by using it to take a little break from the demands of baby care.
Enjoy your new family:
The most important aspect of being a parent is to enjoy it. You will notice that weeks turn into months and months turn into years and before you know it your baby is no longer a baby. Cherish each moment and enjoy your new role and family!
About Lisa Dunning, MFT...
Lisa Dunning, MFT, has over five years of experience working with children who were removed from there home due to abuse and neglect. She also provided parenting education to the foster parents as well as to the birth parents.
Click Here to learn more about Lisa Dunning, MFT.
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