Parenting can feel a bit like a medical procedure sometimes, where you’re expected to “do one, see one, teach one.” I mean, I know some great doctors, but that concept is pretty scary, right? So, I’ve seen a kid, I’ve had a kid, and now I’m here to share some of the most valuable advice I’ve come across. After sorting through the endless stream of unsolicited (and sometimes unwanted) tips, I’ve narrowed it down to five core pieces of wisdom:
- Ignore Most Parenting Advice. Yes, I know I’m contradicting myself by giving advice here, but bear with me. What I mean is, if a piece of advice doesn’t resonate with your gut instinct, toss it aside. Even if it’s coming from your mom or a well-meaning friend with a gaggle of smart kids, if it doesn’t feel right, don’t take it. You’ve only known that little bundle of joy for a short time, but you still know them better than anyone else does. Just maybe avoid calling your child “it” though.
- Seek Out Good Advice. Okay, I promise I’m not losing it! Life is paradoxical, and the truth is, you’ve never done this before. Every child is a unique creature, and if something seems off—like if your little one is producing only green poop (shout out to my friend, Jamie, for that discovery)—then look for answers. If someone annoying gives you advice you didn’t ask for but it actually sounds useful, try to let go of your pride and give it a shot. And yes, I know you will read horror stories online about parenting, but remember tip #1 when you do!
- Delegate Tasks. This is where the green poop incident leads us to the lactation consultant. If you’re struggling, why not reach out for help? It’s okay to seek out a lactation consultant—if the first one doesn’t click, find another. Yes, breastfeeding can hurt like crazy, but it shouldn’t once you’ve figured it out! And if you’re not breastfeeding, that’s totally fine, too. Just remember, your child is not less brilliant for missing out on breast milk. Plus, don’t hesitate to ask for help around the house! It’s perfectly fine to enlist others to wash your dishes. They won’t mind, and you’ll be too busy to do it all yourself.
- You Are Both the Best and Worst Parent. This is a daily struggle, isn’t it? One moment, you feel like supermom when your child smiles after a full night’s sleep, and the next, you feel like the worst parent ever when they tumble off the couch and your neighbor saves them mid-air. Trust me, mom guilt is real, but if your kid is still breathing at the end of the day, you’ve won! Every parent feels like a failure sometimes, but keep reminding yourself that you’re doing your best. Optimism is key!
- “It Goes By So Fast” is Both a Truth and a Lie. You’ll hear this phrase from every older mom and grandma you encounter. While it may feel like time is crawling when you’re in the thick of sleepless nights and diaper changes, suddenly, you’ll find yourself packing away those newborn clothes. One day you’ll be crying tears of joy because your little one is giggling between you and your partner, and the next, you’ll be staring at a newborn in a stroller, wishing you could relive those moments. So yes, it does go fast, but in the moment, it often feels like it’s dragging.
In conclusion, parenting is a wild ride filled with contradictions, moments of joy, and lots of learning. If ever you feel overwhelmed, remember that even the rough moments lead to growth. Need more insights? Check out other blogs like this one to keep the conversation going.
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