Parenting is a lot, to say the least. As soon as another life comes into yours, and they are wholly dependent upon you for their survival and overall well-being, the dynamic shifts very quickly. You could easily become overwhelmed, and you probably will experience that every now and then, but you can also take it in stride and grow along with your children. Here are some parenting tips to keep in mind as you navigate parenthood.
Your Children Will Thrive When Nurtured
If you are feeling guilty and sad about returning to work after bringing your baby home, that is completely understandable and natural. If you are excited to get back to the other part of you, your professional life, that is great. Finding a place for your baby to spend their days while you are at work is a daunting prospect.
The most important thing, after choosing a nursery that ticks off all your required boxes for safety, location, engagement, and comfort, is to remember that children thrive when they are cared for and nurtured, even if you are not the primary nurturer during the hours from 9 to 5.
Think about all of the children whose parents are medical providers or C-suite executives. Their children are doing well. Other parents are grocery clerks, nurses, or postal workers, and their kids are doing great.
What matters is that the children’s basic needs are met, they are loved unconditionally, and that good people are taking care of them in a safe and appropriate environment. Give yourself some grace, and everyone will be just fine.
You Still Matter
Becoming a parent does not mean your needs and desires should be swept aside, even though it will happen on occasion. It is up to you to advocate for yourself. No one else, your partner included, is a mind reader and knows what you really want.
If you need time to rest and recharge, ask for it in detail. Create a plan that works for everyone to make it happen. If you want to leave the workforce and focus on family, you should make time to keep up your professional skill sets in addition to learning new ones that will keep you competitive, such as artificial intelligence.
If you choose to continue working and raising your family, make a plan for it. And always remember that you need to be in the pictures, too, no matter what your hair looks like on a busy day.
Get ready for an adventure. Parenting is a trip, to say the least. You can make the best of it by remembering that family dynamics change over time. Sometimes one parent works, sometimes both parents work.
Your kids will benefit the most from the quality time spent with them when you are with them. Put down your phone, pick up a measuring cup and bake cookies together. Go for a walk after dinner. Show them that you can live your own life while being their parent and watch them reach for the stars, too, because you have set a wonderful example for them.
Thanks for stopping by!
Magda
xoxo