New parents often find themselves bombarded with well-meaning advice from those who have been there, done that. While the intentions behind these suggestions are often kind, they can sometimes feel less than helpful to those in the midst of sleepless nights and overwhelming uncertainty. Phrases like, “Enjoy every moment!” are particularly infamous among new moms and dads. This sentiment can feel unrealistic—let’s be honest, who’s cherishing every second when dealing with a fussy infant or a toddler throwing a fit in the grocery store?
So, when your children have grown, and you feel the urge to dispense “friendly advice” to the exhausted new parents you encounter, take a moment to reflect on how those comments impacted you when you were in the thick of it. In case your memory has faded, let’s take a stroll down memory lane:
“Make sure to take care of yourself so you can take care of the baby.”
Your reaction: Sure, just send me a personal assistant to handle my self-care while I juggle baby duty!
“If you breastfeed, the weight will just melt away.”
Your reaction: Really? I’m not a celebrity leaving the hospital looking flawless. If you mention my post-baby belly one more time, I might just show up at your house with my leftover baby weight!
“Sleep when the baby sleeps.”
Your reaction: Right, and when exactly am I supposed to shower, make dinner, use the bathroom, and write thank-you notes for all these adorable outfits my baby received?
“Don’t forget to carve out personal time for yourself.”
Your reaction: Great advice! Now, can you lend me your checkbook to pay for the babysitter I don’t have? And I’d love to see how relaxing it is to pump milk in a cramped bathroom stall.
“Feed your relationship with your partner to prevent weeds from growing.”
Your reaction: If we’re talking about the kind of weeds that help me relax, I’ll take them. Otherwise, he can stay away unless he wants to be in serious trouble!
“Don’t overwhelm yourself with tasks; the house can wait.”
Your reaction: I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you over the mountain of laundry and the emptiness of my fridge!
“The days are long, but the years are short.”
Your reaction: I’m sure that’s true, but can we fast forward to nap time already?
If you need more insight, check out this post here. It’s a reminder that new parents are navigating a unique journey and that a little empathy goes a long way. For those looking into home insemination, it’s worth checking out Make A Mom for reliable information. Additionally, Womens Health offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
In Summary:
The next time you feel compelled to share parenting wisdom, pause and consider the feelings of the new parents on the receiving end. Your words, while well-intentioned, may not always resonate in the way you hope. Instead, offer support, understanding, and a listening ear, because sometimes that’s the best advice of all.