- Becoming a parent is life-changing event that requires a lot of adaptation and good support system.
- As a new parent, you will be dealing with unexpected costs so it’s also important to establish financial stability.
- You also need to find ways to curb sleep deprivation by adjusting your sleeping habits accordingly.
- It is also important to set boundaries with relatives when it comes to raising your child.
Becoming a parent is arguably one of the most momentous transitions any human being will ever experience. It’s a journey filled with joy, hardship, and ultimately, tremendous growth.
Parenthood can be a difficult transition, and the journey is often filled with ups and downs. Studies have shown that many parents experience a range of psychological, physical, social, and economic challenges during the early stages of parenthood. These struggles can have long-term effects if not addressed properly.
As you embark on this new chapter of your life as a parent or guardian, here are some things to expect during the early stages of your parenthood:
Handling financial responsibilities
The cost of childcare and raising a family has been steadily increasing in recent years, so financial responsibilities during early parenthood is an obvious concern. While some parents are able to return to work part-time after having a baby (depending on their job situation), others have to plan for additional expenses such as daycare costs. It’s important to think about these costs well before the baby is born and decide what makes sense financially for your family.
Unexpected costs
Additionally, it may be wise to open up certain savings accounts to cover unexpected costs such as medical bills or upcoming educational expenses for your child. Many banks offer special accounts specifically designed for parents who wish to save for their child’s future needs.
Families should also consider signing up for government programs such as food stamps or health insurance (Medicaid) if they qualify—this can help tremendously with the extra costs associated with having a newborn in the household. Infants are also more prone to illnesses, that’s why it’s advisable to be aware of the emergency pediatric clinics in your area and conduct a preliminary research on their fees.
Lifestyle changes
Most (if not all) parents experience drastic changes in their lifestyle during the early stages of parenthood, but this is just a prelude to the greater responsibility of guiding their children once they hit their teenage years.
Increased responsibilities
Adapting to increased responsibilities as a new parent can be one of the most difficult transitions to make. With the addition of a baby comes a drastic shift in lifestyle, as there are now new and often overwhelming demands that need to be met.
One of the first areas where parents often feel the strain is with their schedules. Many soon-to-be and new parents plan for their newborns by mapping out a daily routine; however, it can take some time for babies to actually stick to this schedule, so parents may find themselves having to adjust or even completely realign their own plans and routines.
With any major life transition comes growing pains, but with proper planning and self-care routines in place, it is possible for parents to adapt successfully during those early stages of parenthood. Building relationships with other trusting adults such as family members or close friends who can provide emotional support will also help you feel better equipped during this transition process.
Sleep deprivation
Sleep deprivation goes hand-in-hand with having young children at home; this issue often peaks during those first few months as getting everyone into established routines takes both patience and trial-and-error effort. To combat sleep deprivation when possible, try setting priorities straight away:
- Prioritize sleep over errands or other activities that can wait until later;
- Practice better sleeping habits such as dimming lights two hours before bedtime;
- Avoid or cutback on your caffeine intake;
- Implement other strategies such as napping when feasible.
Developing patience
Babies and toddlers require much greater levels of patience than most adults are used to exhibiting on a day-to-day basis. As any parent knows, things can go from calm to chaotic in an instant and it is important to stay level-headed during these moments.
Parents should also learn how to stay calm when their child is having a tantrum. This can be hard, but it’s important to remember that this is normal behavior for young children, and they will learn better coping skills as they grow older.
Setting Boundaries
It’s important from day one to set boundaries with visitors and family members when it comes to your newborn; even loving family members may not understand every decision you make regarding parenting styles or techniques. Being clear from the start about which types of visits are preferred, will keep misunderstandings minimal during this time period. Having house rules about cleanliness may also be necessary depending upon each families’ personal preferences.
It can be difficult—but not impossible—to really understand what early parenthood entails beforehand because each situation is unique in its own way; however, expecting surprises along the way helps new parents remain realistic about expectations without building up false hopes that everything will go according to plan down the road. Remember that parenting isn’t always predictable but that every little step along this journey provides valuable insight into what lies ahead in terms of caring for children over time.
