Nurturing positive relationships with young children and building close bonds between adults and children depends on simple gestures and actions, such as a proud smile, a reassuring word, a little attention, or a hug. Although these actions cost nothing, they are of significant value.
The importance of positive relationships in children's lives should never be underestimated. This provides the inner strength they need to overcome life's problems and challenges, thanks to close relationships with adults such as parents, teachers, and coaches, writes Signe Whitson in a report published in the American magazine Psychology Today.
Relationships built on caring and cohesion provide the support children need to make lasting changes in their behavior. When a child realizes that the adults around them truly care about their well-being and experiences, they become more open and willing to share what's going on in their life.
Life is both rewarding and demanding as you care for your newborn. You can feel overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness when your baby cries or catches that ugly cold. There is also immense stress released by the piles of advice given to you, whether requested or unsolicited. Some mothers tend to crack and suffer bouts of postpartum depression. Here, we attempt to decode the secret to staying stress-free when you have a newborn. Learning how to live without losing your mind when you have a baby can be simple. We offer you some mommy hacks for facing challenges and surviving the first few months with your little one.
Tips to make your life easier with a newborn
Women are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of changes that occur to their bodies and minds after giving birth. However, it's not all daunting. Having a little angelic face and a gurgling voice is evident only from the playing field. However, here are some tips on how to keep your head above water around your newborn.
1. Sleeping When the baby is sleeping
Sometimes we feel like we have to do all the housework before the baby wakes up. After all, we do the dishes, the laundry, and every other chore when the baby is asleep. Don't beat yourself up. Your bedtime is when your baby is sleeping because you need your health and sanity to handle whatever your baby does while they're awake. Your home doesn't always need to look perfect. It's okay, people will understand that you have a baby. Your life has changed, and you need to accept it.
2. Replenish clothing stock
Don't forget that your body has changed, too. But that's no reason to look shabby. Buy some clothes that don't reflect postpartum clothing. You'll definitely look for smart pieces that take you beyond the edge every now and then. Also,
3. Purchase All Products that makes your life easier
Stock up on essentials like a nursing pillow, nursing carriers, bouncer seats, a baby bouncer, or an effective crib. You may want to do your research on what types of cribs work in your home, which strollers are multi-use, etc. Even research the right type of wipes, diaper rash creams, baby bath products, and other care products so that they're off your list of worries once and for all.
4. Indulging in makeup or other items makes you feel good.
Make sure you buy things that make you feel happy. Invest in some makeup, body care products, bath salts, or anything that makes you feel like you're back, even if it's just for a moment. Don't lose yourself in the struggle to be a mother. Unless you can hold on to the essence of yourself, you won't have much left to pass on to your child.
5. Ask for help from your loved ones.
Don't take the world head-on. Make sure to get help from your partner whenever possible. Let them help with the dishes or cleaning while you get some sleep. Pump milk into a bottle so the baby's dad can feed it. This will help the dad bond with the baby while you take a short break. If your family can help with cooking, shopping, or whatever you need, let them help. It will take some of the pressure off your face.
6. Making friends in your home circles
Join some good support groups. There are tons of beautiful women who are going through what you're going through. They are always a blessing with their compassion and tried-and-tested suggestions for certain issues. You can find a support group with help from your pediatrician or hospital network. You can also join one online if there isn't one near you.
7. Make some time for yourself
Take a warm shower, paint your nails or hair, or read a book. Remember that you need some child-free time too because your mind and body are dealing with more than the average person can handle at one time. You deserve some time off.
8. Clear doubts with a pediatrician.
Ask as many questions as possible before you leave the hospital. Keep a list of questions to ask when taking your infant to the doctor. Even the smallest doubt you have is worth clarifying. After all, the illusion of control is all we have in a world where everything else is chaos. Even your doctor may not have all the answers, but it's worth asking anyway.
9. A pack of extras wherever you go
There's no such thing as overpacking when you have an infant. There will be plenty of spit-ups, occasional vomiting, diaper explosions and blowouts, and urination all the time. You don't want to be caught without a change of clothes, diapers, diaper rash cream, bibs, towels, or wipes. Bring extra bottles, thermometers, and other supplies because you never know when the one you're carrying will be useless for some reason.
10. Remember that no one has everything you have worked for.
There is no perfect mother on this planet. We've all been in a mess at one point or another. We've all felt lost and helpless at some point when we were left alone with a hungry little one. Just stop and remind yourself that it's worth it and you can ride it out and conquer anything!
As exhausting as it may be for a new mom, it all revolves around the moment your baby looks at you and smiles. The innocence and magic of your baby makes every struggle seem trivial at the end of the day. Just remember to give yourself a break, don't be too hard on yourself, and if you can't figure something out, ask for help. Just get through the first few months with your baby in your arms and everything will fall into place soon enough.
