Community Corner

Parent's Talk: Advice For New Parents

As a parent-to-be I get a lot of advice (from everyone!), even when I don't ask for it.

Parenting is always a hot topic.

Everyone has an opinion on how to raise a child. People who have children and even people who don't are usually never short on advice.

It can be overwhelming and sometimes even entertaining. As a parent-to-be I don't mind getting advice, honestly. 

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So far here's my top 10 favorite pieces of advice:

#10. "Get your sleep now while you still can." (Good thing I'm pregnant and spending most of my free time sleeping anyway.)

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#9. "Make food for yourself before the baby comes. Cook and freeze meals before you have the baby." (Sound advice. I already know the first meal I'm having because I'm not supposed to eat it while pregnant.)

#8. "It's OK to freak out from time to time." (What if it's more than occasional?) 

#7. "Take a birthing or parenting class before the baby comes." (We're signed up and if my husband gets to wear the fake pregnancy belly the class fee will be so worth it.)

#6. "Pick out a pediatrician now." (What is the best way of going about this? We will be doing it, but what is the best way to find the one right for you?)

#5. "Do something fun, get away for while, go on a vacation now because you won't be leaving your house for at least three months after the baby is born." (In theory, this is a great idea, but when money is tight how do you afford a real good and relaxing vacation?)

#4. "Don't worry about it you're eating for two." (I've learned this is not quite accurate. I indulge in cravings, but I've discovered that as baby gets bigger I don't always want to eat for two, at least not yet anyway.)

#3. "Don't be afraid to ask for help." (This is good advice, but sometimes I'm stubborn and want to get things done on my own so I struggle with this one ... sometimes.)

#2. "You're never really ready. No matter what you do." (It's not reassuring, but seems to be true, don't you think?)

#1. "Get used to feeling anxious and constantly worried for the rest of your life." (That seems to sum it up from what I've heard.) 

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What do you think of this advice? What is the best advice you've been given or given out to new parents? How has it helped you? Let us know in the comment section below!


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