Parenting Advice for Expectant Parents

[FamTimes reporter Jennylyn Gianan] Expectant parents may have read many books and articles about parenting in preparation for their baby's arrival and may even have taken special classes for the baby.

Here are a few tips that may help these parents.

It is okay if you do not know what to do or wonder whether you are doing things right. If you are a first-time parent, it is only natural not to know everything.

Even if you have read parenting books and magazines and taken classes, you may not know what to do in a real-life situation. All parents have gone through that stage and found it difficult. It is completely normal.

It is a good idea to tell the people around you what you do and do not want. Your relatives and friends may feel that the baby is theirs too, not just yours.

They will want to see the baby and may bring supplies or offer to help. You can accept such kindness, but it is also okay to decline visits or help. People around you may think they can visit at any time, but that can be difficult for a new parent.

At first, it may be difficult to diaper, put to sleep, soothe, feed, and bathe the baby. Later, however, you will become a pro at these tasks. You may eventually be able to change a diaper with one hand and get the baby to sleep more quickly.

Do not compare yourself with other parents. Every parent has different ideas about raising children.

Your mother, mother-in-law, and even friends or neighbors will offer advice they believe may help your baby.

You can choose whether to listen to and follow their advice or ignore it. Parents know their own baby best, and no one knows your child better than you do.

It is a good idea to take some time alone, especially when you feel confused, angry, or sad. Do not take your anger out on the baby.

The parenting journey will later become a memory. So you have to persevere through the difficulties.

Your lovely baby will eventually grow up, and you will miss how small they were and how much they needed you.

Parenting is challenging and can be very difficult. It is something you must get through, but it is worth it.

Jennylyn Gianan fam1@pcss.co.kr