Whether you’re changing a diaper, your schedule, or even your views on life, the one constant that comes with a new child (no matter their age!) is change. Whether this sounds exciting, concerning or even frightening for you, when it comes to parenting, change is on the horizon.
Here we touch on some of the things that might change when you welcome a new little one into your life and a few tips and ideas to help you manage through those life transitions.
Sleepy Time
If you’ve welcomed a baby into your life (or even a toddler), sleep will become a very important part of your schedule. Babies’ sleep patterns often change as they develop and don’t often sync with when you’d like to sleep. If you’re able to sleep when your baby does, you should try to do that as much as possible. Even if you can’t sleep, getting some rest (watching a favorite show, reading a book or taking a bath) will go a long way to helping your mood, clarity and patience throughout the day.
Relationally Speaking
Whether it’s your partner, your other children or an extended family member or friend, new family members can change existing relationship dynamics in a multitude of ways and have the potential to aggravate relationships that are already strained. While you can’t control the feelings of others, you can help to limit uncertainty and smooth out emotional wrinkles by:
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- Sharing your expectations and boundaries
- Asking upfront about the expectations of others in your family
- Being proactive about managing difficult connections
- Reaching out to Arcora for relationship counselling by calling 1-877-412-7483 or completing the online form
Mind and Body Care
Whether you just gave birth or the child came to you through adoption, surrogacy or another way, becoming a parent is challenging to your whole self. Caring for your new child starts with caring for yourself first. Start by embracing change, including your shifted priorities, setting realistic (achievable!) expectations or goals for yourself and your day and always asking for help when you need it. And if you need a little extra help to set yourself in the right direction, be sure to reach out for support.
Deepening Your Bench
There’s never been a truer sentiment about raising children than ‘it takes a village’. You’ll likely find that the way you need your friends changes quite a lot after your new addition arrives. Do you have a stellar team of village members (your village people!) already? Excellent! If they offer to help—let them! Keep a nice-to-do list handy so your team can easily pitch in when they’re able. If you don’t have a big crew to help just yet, that’s okay! Try joining a group or network in your area that includes other parents you can share the highs and lows of the magical ride of parenting with. If you have the means, accessing a postpartum doula or private nurse may also be a good option to round out your squad.
The most important thing to remember is that change is a part of growth. Think of this life transition like a tree—you’re rooting and growing. Children are extensions of ourselves (the branches if you will) and for all your hard work, you get to bear the fruit of your labors—experiencing the joy and wonder of seeing them learn about the world and grow into incredible, giving humans. Our advice? Do what you can to embrace these wondrous changes, be kind to yourself, ask for help along the way and if you’re struggling to cope, know that it’s okay and help is just a call or click away.
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