I have a few hacks for keeping day-to-day tasks simple, which leaves me time to enjoy the better things (like catching up on Shameless and American Horror Story -- thank you, shomi!). Check out these tips:
1. I prepare my daughter's breakfast the night before.
I have a four-year-old daughter and a two-month-old son, so mornings are pretty rushed and hazy for me. That said, making my daughter's breakfast the night before, then storing it in the fridge for her to easily reach when she's ready to eat, treats me to a few more minutes of sleep!
2. I make sure all nighttime necessities are by my bedside.
There's a basket full of extra baby sleepers, onesies, pants and shirts on the left side of my bed. Then on the right side, I have water bottles, granola bars, an infant nose aspirator and my breast pump. Screw aesthetics and house tidiness – having nighttime necessities close by keeps me comfortable at night without having to go from room-to-room and my sleep isn't as badly disturbed.
3. I stick with what works for ME, not anyone else.
I am a huge proponent of co-sleeping, however, not all moms I've spoken to agree with me. I'm okay with this, as well as the other baby-related decisions I've made. It took awhile for me to "agree to disagree", but in the end, I have to work with what's best for my situation. So really, it's about being confident in your everyday tasks, which prevents you from stressing out.
What are your tips for saving time as a new parent? Post your comments below.
Showing posts with label new parents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new parents. Show all posts
Monday, 19 January 2015
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Save your emotional energy: Part II
So I think I need to clarify something from my last post, "New parents, save your emotional energy with these coping mechanisms," as it's important to respond to the "Critic" with an open mind. There's no need to plug your ears, give the Critic the middle finger and avoid him or her forever. In fact, I believe it's important to listen to everyone because you never know what you'll learn. From speaking with other moms, I learned how to pack formula when I'm on the go; that it's not the end of the world if I buy jars of baby food; and that a bit of fresh air with your kid really does make a difference.
So before making a decision as to whether or not you're receiving unwanted comments, maybe try this thought process:
-Listen
-Observe if necessary (i.e. diaper changes, playing, etc)
-Ask yourself if the comment actually applies to you
-Then make a decision
Of course, it's easier said than done, but once you get the hang of it, you don't feel stressed when criticism happens. I highly encourage interacting and listening to other moms because you will learn A LOT. I don't know about other moms, but when I first had my daughter, the lack of sleep wasn't allowing me to think rationally. Sometimes a simple piece of advice (i.e. "you need 'me' time!") did (and still does!) positive wonders on me. Quite simply, everyone is entitled to their opinion — it's up to you to decide what to do with it.
So before making a decision as to whether or not you're receiving unwanted comments, maybe try this thought process:
-Listen
-Observe if necessary (i.e. diaper changes, playing, etc)
-Ask yourself if the comment actually applies to you
-Then make a decision
Of course, it's easier said than done, but once you get the hang of it, you don't feel stressed when criticism happens. I highly encourage interacting and listening to other moms because you will learn A LOT. I don't know about other moms, but when I first had my daughter, the lack of sleep wasn't allowing me to think rationally. Sometimes a simple piece of advice (i.e. "you need 'me' time!") did (and still does!) positive wonders on me. Quite simply, everyone is entitled to their opinion — it's up to you to decide what to do with it.
Thursday, 22 March 2012
New parents, save your emotional energy with these coping mechanisms
If you're looking to save a few bucks, unfortunately you won't find that in this post! However, it is important to save your emotional energy when you come across parental criticisms.
Unless you are a perfect parent with a perfect child in a perfect world, you will face a few criticisms as a new parent. You may be told that you are worrying too much (or too little!), that you should (or shouldn't!) be following "the book" or Kid A should be developing like Kid B. I know for a fact that I have raised eyebrows when I change my baby's diaper (she refuses to lie down for this and I'm not going to stuff her in a straitjacket first!) and for not sleep training my daughter.
When others feel they need to give their unnecessary two cents, I've used the following to talk me through. I have to give credit to Dr. Sears though, the "Dr. Spock" of our generation. His article, "Handling Criticism" is a great resource — it's directed to parents with "high-need babies", yet I believe it's applicable to any mom and dad.
Consider the Generation of the "Critic": Parenting resources and baby items have significantly changed in the last 30 years. My daughter is 16 months old and diapers have already changed a bit (i.e. I didn't have the wetness indicators on NB diapers). So let's face it, if the critic is a lot older, you have to remind yourself that they're not aware of today's baby care methods.
The "Critic" doesn't know my baby: When I first faced criticisms, my anxiety level hit the roof: Am I doing something wrong? Maybe I'm not fit to be a parent! So-and-So has had a baby before, maybe she knows more than I do. But you know what? Those people don't know my baby like I do. Each baby is different and one thing may work for one and not the other. I'm not going to lie, sometimes I still doubt myself. BUT the difference is that I take the time to remind myself that my daughter is healthy, thriving and happy. What I do works for her.
It takes awhile to talk yourself out of worrying about other opinions — and I am still working on it too! — but I think as your baby gets older, you become more confident in yourself as a parent.
Thoughts?
Unless you are a perfect parent with a perfect child in a perfect world, you will face a few criticisms as a new parent. You may be told that you are worrying too much (or too little!), that you should (or shouldn't!) be following "the book" or Kid A should be developing like Kid B. I know for a fact that I have raised eyebrows when I change my baby's diaper (she refuses to lie down for this and I'm not going to stuff her in a straitjacket first!) and for not sleep training my daughter.
When others feel they need to give their unnecessary two cents, I've used the following to talk me through. I have to give credit to Dr. Sears though, the "Dr. Spock" of our generation. His article, "Handling Criticism" is a great resource — it's directed to parents with "high-need babies", yet I believe it's applicable to any mom and dad.
Consider the Generation of the "Critic": Parenting resources and baby items have significantly changed in the last 30 years. My daughter is 16 months old and diapers have already changed a bit (i.e. I didn't have the wetness indicators on NB diapers). So let's face it, if the critic is a lot older, you have to remind yourself that they're not aware of today's baby care methods.
The "Critic" doesn't know my baby: When I first faced criticisms, my anxiety level hit the roof: Am I doing something wrong? Maybe I'm not fit to be a parent! So-and-So has had a baby before, maybe she knows more than I do. But you know what? Those people don't know my baby like I do. Each baby is different and one thing may work for one and not the other. I'm not going to lie, sometimes I still doubt myself. BUT the difference is that I take the time to remind myself that my daughter is healthy, thriving and happy. What I do works for her.
It takes awhile to talk yourself out of worrying about other opinions — and I am still working on it too! — but I think as your baby gets older, you become more confident in yourself as a parent.
Thoughts?
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