New parents often find themselves bombarded with advice from well-meaning veterans of parenthood. While the intentions behind these suggestions are typically good, the reality for a sleep-deprived, overwhelmed new mom or dad is quite different. The classic line, “Enjoy every single moment!” is one that new parents love to hear—said no one ever when their baby is crying incessantly or their toddler is having a meltdown in the middle of a store. This phrase can feel both unrealistic and a touch patronizing, as it implies that new parents are somehow lacking in appreciation for their tiny, wiggly, spit-up-covered bundles of joy.
So, when your own kids have grown, and you feel compelled to dispense “helpful advice” to the frazzled parents out there, take a moment to remember how those comments made you feel when you were running on fumes. In case you’ve managed to forget those feelings, here’s a little reminder:
“Make sure to take care of yourself so you can better take care of the baby.”
How you felt: Right, because I have time to whip up a self-care routine while my baby is screaming. Can someone just bring me a sandwich, please?
“If you breastfeed, the baby weight will just disappear.”
How you felt: Oh sure, if I’m magically transformed into a supermodel like Princess Kate, maybe! But right now, I’m more like a donut than a diva.
“Sleep when the baby sleeps.”
How you felt: And when exactly will I shower, eat, and tackle the mountain of thank-you notes for the cute pajamas that keep piling up?
“Make time for yourself away from the baby to unwind.”
How you felt: Excellent advice! Now, could you provide me with a babysitter on a silver platter? Because pumping in a public restroom is not my idea of relaxation.
“Don’t forget to nurture your relationship with your partner, or it will suffer.”
How you felt: If he comes near me with those hands, I might just lose it!
“Don’t push yourself too hard; the chores can wait.”
How you felt: Sorry, I can’t hear you over the towering piles of laundry and the eerie silence of my now-empty fridge.
“The days are long, but the years are short.”
How you felt: That may be true, but can someone please tell me when nap time starts?
If you’re looking for more relatable stories and insights, check out this article on our other blog post for a good laugh. And if you’re curious about home insemination, don’t forget to check out resources like this for more information. For a deeper dive into pregnancy and conception, this resource is very helpful.
In summary, while it’s natural to want to share wisdom with new parents, it’s crucial to remember how those well-intended words can feel during one of the most challenging times in life. A little empathy goes a long way!