3 Essentials for First Time Parents
Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind as you adjust to your next phase in life.
Have a Plan, But Know That It Might Change
Set yourself up for success and be ready to go with the flow. Loosely plan for your first few weeks at home with a newborn; activities, visitors, and/or travel during your parental leave; your baby’s first day of daycare; and more. Keep in mind that plans may not go as you initially intended — and that’s okay.
Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to reach out to family, friends, neighbors, and anyone else you think might be helpful. It’s important to ask for support — you can’t do it alone! Taking breaks and seeking out help will be good for both you and your baby.
Set Up Child Care Options
In a pinch, who can you rely on? Think about nearby people you trust, and ask if you can put them on your “back-up” list. Look into your company’s employee benefits — do they offer on-site or near-site child care? What about back-up child care or tuition subsidies? If you’re going back to work after maternity leave, plan ahead and look into how to get on a daycare waiting list or enroll in child care early.
What Do First Time Parents Struggle with the Most?
There’s no hard and fast rule — everyone is different, so all new parents will struggle with different things. Working moms and dads will face the challenge of going back to work after maternity leave or paternity leave. The first day of daycare can be a tough emotional transition. Balancing your many responsibilities can be tricky. And that’s all on top of lack of sleep.
But rest assured that you’re not alone — and you have support. Remember to ask for help, take time for yourself, and tap into all the resources available to you. You’re doing a great job!
