As the mum of an almost 1 year old boy I look back and remember all the good times so far as well as te sick times.. These days I have troubles with keeping him still to change his nappy. I still love him tenper and all and wouldn’t give him up for the world..

yep, listen to your own gut, you know your child instinctively – inside and out!!

my wise words, are follow your instincts, it is stages not ages and do what feels right for you, it is not too hard being a mummy if you do it your way xxx

Explain to the new Mum not to be afraid to ask for help, even if it is just to watch the baby so she can catch up on some sleep, have a shower without having to listen out for the baby. It is the little things we take for granted that suddenly become almost non-existant. Time to do the laundry which has suddenly grown beyond belief, the dishes without having to pacify your baby at the same time. One of ours always decided to get distressed for one reason or another when I was trying to do the dishes no matter what time of the day. Hopefully you have a supportive Dad that will help you with the baby, chores etc. I would love it if somebody offered to hang the washing on the line for me, or perhaps brought it in, especially if it could get damp any time from 3.00pm after drying. Some people will offer to help. If you are agreeable accept it or they may not ask again or be willing later if you refuse too much. I found suggestions very helpful most times, but at times I didn’t appreciate being told I …had ….to do a thing.

Every parent and baby experience is so different. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Amazing article <3

I remember a friend smiling at me and telling me, “everything is ok, you’re a first time parent, you’ll learn to relax”. It took another three kids for me to be able to turn around to another friend who was down and say, “you are doing a fantastic job, you are a wonderful mum, enjoy it and you’ll learn to relax”. That’s when I realised that I had changed as a parent, like I’d been told. Instead of being terrified 24/7, I am loving life and love our growing family.

yeah and also, try to relax! if you are not sure, don’t be afraid to ask and every child is different!

Oh gosh I was so confused at first when I listened to what everyone was saying to me. People mean well but their advice is too much at times. Definitely rely on your instincts!

As a a parent, every day brings new joys and new challenges. With hindsight it is easy to relive the ups and laugh at the rest.

Agree. So important to listen to your own instincts. No books, magazines, tips from others can truly prepare you for a newborn. Life changes, everything changes and all we can do is cope as best we can, and support not judge eachother.

yes you grow as your child does and i agree, you are constantly having to change how you parent as they grow up.

Yes, being a parent is hard work. But absolutely worth it! I loved every single moment with my daughter. We had to face so many challenges together, but with love you can handle anything.
Thanks for your sweet article!!

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 26 Jan 2016 , 5:46 am

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  Good on you – it is hard work and worth it too.

Lke jd