1. They Aren’t Out To Manipulate You
This means your baby doesn’t cry his/her little eyes out because they are just trying to get attention or manipulate you in some way. They are either hungry, sleepy, uncomfortable (wet nappy/diaper, hot/cold) or bored. Figure which one it is and they stop. Even if you have just changed their diaper 2 minutes ago, check again, I have been caught out before. Go through each one and you will get it.
2. Talk Your Child Through Everything
Even if they can’t speak yet or you don’t think they even understand a word you are saying, just say it anyway. You will find things go a lot easier. I have found this even works when I am putting down a completely asleep toddler, but need to change him first. If I say everything I do before I do it, he stays asleep and even wriggles around to make it easier for me.
3. Don’t Bother About The Perfect Looking House
May be when they are 10 years or older, you could keep a reasonably tidy house, but before then prepare for food everywhere, toys and dirt. Don’t bother resisting it, go with the flow. They are a few things you can do though. Eat outside as often as possible. Use toy rotation in your toy room, and a big chest to store all the toys. Keep your reflooring and expensive furniture until afterwards.
4. Covers
If you have any furniture you would like to keep, buy a cover for it, same with the car and all the tables. Covers save items. Make sure you have a few for rotation so it doesn’t get dirty when you are washing one set.
5. Spend As Much Time With Them As Possible
As much as you probably hear it, the years pass quickly. And I am not talking about spending as much time with them on the weekend or as possible. I mean, if you are working drop one day a week, or more, at the end of your life would you rather have more in your bank account or more memories and a great relationship with your children? You can’t buy them it later and you make more of a difference in the world by being a great parent than having a lot of stuff and money. (just a note, I’m not saying stuff and money is bad, I certainly like it, you just need to determine priorities. If you can fit both in then I say go for it.)
6. Child’s Health
Your child’s health is most likely one of your top priorities. Your child will most likely catch and show symptoms of many illnesses throughout their childhood. But remember billions of children have all been there before. Every little snuffle doesn’t need a panic attack. It’s worse with your first child as everything is new. Make sure you have your health care professionals number or health line number (if your country has one) handy and a quick ring can easily put your mind at ease. I know you might sometimes want to wrap them in cotton wool, but little bodies are amazing resilient and can handle almost anything thrown at them. Viruses / Bacteria are a natural part of life and amazingly enough, catching for example the measles actually primes their immune system. Childhood illnesses actually help them live healthier lives and strengthens their immune system.
7. Cheap Is Better
As they all say, get a child an amazing toy and watch them play with the cardboard box. I have found that the best toys are simple ones in which you play with them. Paper airplanes, cardboard boxes, toilet roll, park, nature walk or a ball are extremely fun and provide many more laughs.
8. Saying No Or Yelling Makes It Worse
I know there can be points where you get that frustrated you just want to yell back at them. Regrettably from personal experience, saying no, or yelling doesn’t do anything other than make it all worse. Go an vent your frustration in another room and then come back and think of something to do, or a way to change the situation. If you yell, prepare for more screaming and a worse situation.
Before saying no to a child, try to think of something else to do. Saying no keeps them still focused on what you are trying to get away from them. If you suggest something else or a number of other things you will eventually get them to play or do something else. It works very well, though may take just a little bit of perseverance.
9. Children Copy EVERYTHING!
Not only will they repeat words and things said at awkward moments :) , but they learn your personality traits, habits and how you handle everything. You are teaching them how they will act as an adult. If you have bad habits either don’t let your children see at the very least, but it is best to better yourself to help your child grow into the best they can be.
10. Never Be Afraid To Better Your Parenting
If I never tried to better my parenting, I would still be doing somethings that today I would feel guilty about doing. I know its hard to accept you may have done something wrong by your child, I have personally had to accept this a few times, but ignoring it just so you don’t have to feel guilty about it only means you harm your child longer. I know I am still not perfect but I am always open to new ideas and better ways to be a better parent, as I want the best for my children, regardless of how it makes me feel.
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