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The first few months with a new baby can be more than a little overwhelming. You find yourself wondering things like: Will I ever sleep again? Is this normal? How do I make my baby stop crying? For every question you have, there are three times as many friends and family members who want to give you answers. While there is definitely not an advice shortage for new parents, really good advice is much less common. The best advice I ever received was to put my husband first (much easier said than done) and make couple time no matter how tired or busy we are (even more difficult).
1. What is the worst parenting advice you have ever received?
2. What is the best parenting advice you have ever received?
3. What advice do you give new parents?
"You're going to spoil him!". That was the worst parenting advice I've received. I've had people tell me to "let the baby cry" and "don't pick him up too much" or "don't hold him too much". As a mom of a mere 7 weeks, I can't get enough of my new son. I want to pick him up every time he whimpers. I want to hold him and touch him as much as I can! I think picking him up when he cries lets him know that I'm always going to be there for him. Holding him and loving him lets him know he's safe. So my best parenting advice is to hold your baby as much as you want. Love them every minute. Indulge yourself in the feel of their skin. And don't question it! Enjoy every minute of today with your baby. The next chapter will be here soon enough.
I could not agree with you more. You said that better than I ever could have.
To first-time parents: relax and do what comes naturally. I've been a mom for going on 10 years and it never amazes me how nervous new parents get about so many little things. The more you do it, the better you'll get. But chances are, you will make mistakes and that's okay. Live, learn and then move on. Relying on your instincts will help you through, and when in doubt, ask mom, a friend or your doctor.
The best I've recieved was probably "you'll figure it out, don't worry too much." - I've found I have to learn on the fly for many situations; books just cant cover everything the world will throw at you. But in the end we always get through an issue, and getting too worked up never helps to solve it faster.
The worst "it's not so bad for them to have a little (insert food I don't want them eating)." - True that's not really advice, but it bugs me sooo much when someone tries to push their ideas ahead of how I want to raise my child. It's like they don't realize I am her parent, not them.
My advice would be - dont let others tell you how to raise your child, each parent knows more about their children than anyone else. After all we spend the most time with them ;)