When you first start planning a family and trying for a baby you can easily start to feel overwhelmed. There are a lot of things to consider for the future and how you will handle the new addition to the family should be well thought out from the beginning. We have listed below 10 simple tips which can help new families adjust to the changes in their lives, and ensure a happy, healthy upbringing for their children.
1 – Make the effort to spend quality time with your child right from the beginning
This is just as important to the child as it is to you and your partner as new parents. Babies are social beings and as such need to know they are part of something more than just themselves. Negative behaviours are often simply an attempt to get your attention. Cuddle, read, walk and play and have somebody close by whenever your children are awake.
2 – Have consistent rules that you want your child to abide by
These rules need not be the same as other parents use or the same ones you were raised with, but nevertheless they need to be some recognisable and consistent guidelines that you want your child to live by. This will make it easier for everyone, as the child subconsciously expects a certain reaction to a certain behaviour when you have been consistent in your discipline. We all have to live by rules throughout our lives and it is during our growing up period that we must learn to accept that reality. These rules must be agreed on by both parents and respected by babysitters and relatives.
3 – Be careful with criticism
Nobody likes to be criticised, let alone children in their developmental stages. If criticism becomes necessary make sure you criticise the behaviour – not the child. Don’t tell a child that he or she is ‘bad’ tell them that what they did was not acceptable. For example if he or she was to run across the street in front of traffic, point out the danger in doing so and what could result as a consequence. Then tell them how they should approach such a situation, such as ‘stop at the kerb, look both directions and wait till it is safe to cross over’.
4 – Don’t hold back on praise
Just as we shun criticism, we all love praise and children are no different. Whenever they do something well, or learn something new, praise them for their effort. Don’t be afraid to tell them how proud you are of their achievements.
5 – Keep to a regular schedule
This means having breakfast and other meals at the same time each day. The same applies for bedtime and when they should take their naps. If this schedule has to change for some reason explain why, well before the missed schedule takes place so that it is expected. Children thrive on a routine, and you will find that if they know what to expect they will more willingly do what you ask of them. For example, at dinner time, tell your child that after dinner they’ll play for half an hour, while they’re playing tell them they’re having a bath soon, when they’re in the bath tell them that story time and bedtime are next, and by the time you get your child into bed they’ll be prepared for sleep – and you’ll be able to get some much needed sleep too.
6 – Create an atmosphere of safety
Your children should always feel safe. If they become scared, comfort them and show them you have taken the necessary steps to keep them protected. The feeling of being safe will help build confidence, therefore, as they grow make sure they know how to avoid putting themselves in situations where they feel unsafe.
7 – Listen to what your children have to say
It is important that you listen to what your children are telling you no matter how mundane it sounds to you, or if they are only able to construct nonsense words. If they get the feeling you are not interested they can often bottle things up inside that you should have heard. Make them feel important and that their thoughts are just as important as anybody else’s. Explain to them if they are wrong and why you feel this is so. Also teach them to listen to the viewpoints of others and to not interrupt while others are speaking.
8 – Show your love
Love can be shown in many ways. Just knowing that you are there and that you care and will take any action necessary to help them should they need you for any reason is love. So is your willingness to tell them that you love them and that they are special in your life. Don’t hesitate to hug and kiss.
9 – Take Out Life Insurance
When you first start planning a family and trying for a baby you should make sure that both parents have adequate life insurance. It is no longer just about you, you are bringing another person into the world, and for the next 18 years(at least) they are going to be dependent on you. Of course you will be planning to be present for as much of your new baby’s childhood as possible but should something unexpected happen you want to be covered.
10 – Take a break
It is human to lose your temper sometimes and this does not mean you are a bad parent. What is not good however, is when you take out your anger on your children. If your frustration reaches this level, take a break. Change the environment by taking the children for a walk, or call a friend to help. If this level of frustration happens often ask for professional help. Your doctor can be a good start but there are also many parenting groups around that can assist as they will have ‘been there and done that’.
Parenting is not easy, it is challenging, it can sometime come down to will against will but at the same time it is rewarding and there is nothing better in life than being able to sit back at an older age and admire what your children have become, as they become parents in their own right.
Kristy Ramirez writes for Life Insurance Finder where she helps people to compare and select the best life insurance policy to meet their needs at the best possible price.