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Let's face it. Raising children, especially your first one, can be stressful. Not only do you have the responsibility for caring for a new human; there are all the societal pressures that start to affect you. Everyone has their own opinion on how to raise your kids and they tend to give you advice whether you like it or not. Family, friends, people in the grocery store, everyone will all give you opinions on how to discipline and raise your kids. Even Aunt Sue has a few tips for you: |
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| Babies can't
take care of themselves; you have to
make sure they are OK. It's your responsibility. |
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That being said, babies cry. It's life, get used to it. You can let it bother you or understand that it's just their way of trying to talk to you. Don't forget; they can't talk. Angry all the time? Maybe YOU are the one who's overtired. Instead of trying to "catch up" while baby sleeps; take a nap yourself. Things will look better for both of you after a nap. Have a cup of tea If the baby is a newborn have you try our highly recommended tea made from fennugreek and fennel. It may help moderate your moods while caring for a newborn. Have something to eat Don't forget about yourself while caring for baby. Many times you are so focused on baby that you forget to have something to eat yourself. Babies will never cry because they are mad at you. There is a reason; you just have to figure it out. Are they clean, hungry or tired? Kids, like all humans can be grumpy when they wake up or have good and bad days. If everything else is fine and you see a tear you know it's serious, perhaps teething? Give yourself some space. You bought a play pen or a jumper toy; use it. Although you may feel the need to carry the child around from room to room or prefer to let him or her play around, the use proper of the playpen is critical. It frees you up to do the things you need to do without worrying that the child will hurt themselves. They may not like it for the first 15 minutes; and make sure it's near where you are working (since chances are you are washing dishes or folding clothes...) and let them watch you. As long as they can see you and hear your voice they are content and you will know when it's time to take a break and move on to the next activity. We all feel that we are "bad" parents from time to time and this is normal. Everyone has had the same emotions. Do your best and keep putting one foot in front of the other; it gets easier, really it does. By visiting websites like this and trying to do the best for your child you are showing that your are interested in your children; we all have our good and bad moments; this is normal. If you have a full-time nanny or caregiver don't be surprised it you have trouble disciplining your children when she is not there. It only is reasonable that children will assume the traits and habits of the person they spend the most time with. The less time you spend with your children, the more time you will spend trying to assert control; since they are not used to taking directions from you and may have developed different ways of doing certain tasks.
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| Take
a vacation or some time for yourself.
It's hard to let go in the first 6 months but it is important for you to take a break and get some sleep. We suggest AT LEAST one weekend away in the first 6 months FOR BOTH PARENTS. It will have been an emotional rollercoaster from day one and you probably will have not gotten a proper night sleep in months; managing anger is a 2 way street. If you are tired and frustrated it can reflect negatively on your home life; a short break is something to look forward to and absence really make the heart grow fonder. You may be away at someone's cottage for a day or 2 of rest; but be assured you will be thinking of them and they will be VERY happy to see you when you get back. |
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| GOING CRAZY AT HOME? GET A PART TIME JOB | |
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At
some point, you may have
"everything" in
life. A nice house, nice
husband, time with the kids; a
real stay-at-home-mom. You
also may be miserable and miss
interacting with the outside
world.
Why not get a part-time job? Nothing stressful, 1or 2 nights a week so you get out of the house by yourself for a few hours each week. You get to have a place to go where you can brag about your kids AND talk with people who are more than 3 years old. Sometime a change really is as good as a rest. |
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Once your children become a certain age you have to start imposing some discipline. Remember: They are your kids NOT
YOUR FRIENDS Look at your kids nutritional picture first before assuming they are "bad kids". Are your kids acting up? A full stomach goes a long way to calming down even the most problem child. Uncle Buck has lots of tips on cooking for your family |
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Add more action to your life. More activity and less TV = children who are tired when they go to bed. 30 minutes in the park at night before dinner can make putting them down easy; and hour of TV after dinner can make it hard. |
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" Stop asking me the same question!! " Remember, routine and repetition is very important for children. What may seem boring to you is interesting and comforting to a child. They may want to play the same game; over and over again for days. This is normal; not annoying. No matter how angry you are NEVER shake or hit your child. Leave the room, take a break, whatever... but remove yourself from the situation until you have had time to calm down. Related: Fennel/Fennugreek
Tea - Herbal Tea for new mothers |