Becoming parents for the first time can be one of the greatest miracles of life. Though overwhelming and a little scary for most people, welcoming a newborn into your family is an absolute joy.
As parents, especially for the first time, it is pretty natural to be exceptionally careful when it comes to looking after your little one. You would do nothing but the very best. However, amongst the varying opinions and information that you might be getting, it can become highly confusing what to follow and what not to follow. Luckily, we have put together the perfect tips that will surely help you along your journey of parenthood, especially if it is your first time becoming a parent.
What Is Parenting?
Before we dive right into the topic, let’s have an overview of what parenting is about. By parenting, we refer to all the techniques, strategies, and tools that you might employ when it comes to raising and dealing with your children on a regular basis. Most parents might be unaware of the fact that they do have a set pattern themselves when it comes to parenting. The style of parenting more or less falls on a spectrum of two extremes: positive parenting and negative parenting.
Positive parenting, as the name suggests, makes use of positive techniques when it comes to correcting a child’s behavior instead of giving punishments. The focus is on creating a positive home environment where the child strives. Some of the benefits of positive parenting are:
- Improved confidence in children
- Better mental health
- Increased academic and physical performance
- Healthy relationships with parents and others
Negative parenting, on the other hand, is the polar opposite. Parents often use strict measures when it comes to disciplining their children and may use harsh tones or punishments. It can lead to several issues for children, such as:
- Behavioral problems such as aggression
- Anxiety and depression
- Poor concentration and grades
- Inability to form healthy and lasting relationships
Guide For First-Time Parents
If you are a first-time parent who is having a difficult time when it comes to parenting, our simple guidelines will assist you along the way.
Educate yourself
First and foremost, educate yourself on the role of being a parent. Become aware of your responsibilities as well as the correct strategies to make use of positive parenting. Whether this includes attending parenting workshops or working with a counselor, ensure that you are well-equipped to care for children and deal with any issues that might arise.
Have Faith in Yourself as a Parent
We know parenting is a full-time job, and that, too, an extremely exhausting and overwhelming one. You might find yourself questioning whether you are doing it right or not and may even experience feeling a lack of competence as a parent. Understand that it is quite natural to feel this way. Over time as you gain experience being a parent, your confidence levels will also increase
Trust Your Parental Instincts
While it is great to be aware of the best parenting practices like those mentioned above, ultimately, only you and only you know what is the best approach when it comes to your child. Since a child is closest to the parents in the initial years of upbringing, you are more aware of their personalities and behaviors as compared to anyone else. Thus trust your instincts, too, when it comes to handling your children.
Create Routine
Children who follow a set routine in their daily lives are more likely to do well overall as compared to those children who do not follow any routine. Having a routine is a great way to provide structure to your child’s life so that they are more disciplined and responsible as they grow up. Start by establishing simple but effective routines such as sleeping and eating times to make your children used to the idea.
As a First-Time Parent, Be Compassionate
It is crucial that the children consider their homes a safe space and a parent is their ‘go-to’ person in times of need. In order to do so, it is vital that you build a bond of trust that is formed on mutual respect and compassion. Extend a listening year to them and find ways to express your affection and care, so they grow up knowing that they are safe and loved.
It’s ok to make mistakes
Nobody is perfect, and parents are no expectation. Allow yourself room to learn from your errors, and don’t beat yourself down if you think you made a mistake when dealing with your child. Forgive yourself but ponder over your behavior and make use of effective ways to correct yourself for the future.
Seek Support or Help
Some issues may be just too complex for you to handle on your own. Sometimes we as parents burn ourselves out because we believe we must deal with everything single-handedly. It is important to note that being a parent does not mean that you have to do it all alone. Don’t feel shy to seek help from others, whether it is from a loved one or a professional (as per the need).
Have Me Time
Further adding to the point above, it is also necessary to take small breaks from parenting to ensure better mental and physical health. Make sure that you do not end up neglecting your own well-being or hygiene while taking care of your children. As a first-time parent, consider pampering yourself or having ‘me-time’ once in a while to relax and rejuvenate.