This post is sponsored by Gerber® Good Start® Gentle but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to be a mom. I was that teen that babysat everyone’s kids. Didn’t mind staying home or walking out to the playground to watch the littles while playing. I didn’t however expect to be a mom at the young age of 20. Ok, I know 20 isn’t such a youthful age but was still unexpected, and I still feel I had much to learn.
Being a new mom, you never unbiasedly understand how crazy life can be until you live it. Heck, I’ve just recently had my 3rd baby and still feel like I’m learning through her. I do feel now (after my 3rd kid) have got some of this “motherhood” stuff down. Gerber® Good Start® has asked me to share my formula for happiness.
I know every mom/family has their own formula for happiness and mine comes with these simple, easy tips.
1. Give your spouse a break.
Whether it’s a girls/guys night out, a trip to the grocery store kid free, or just to take a simple shower without interruptions. This is a big mandatory for both mom and dad. Having a child is one of the most important jobs in the world. But, even with this job you need a simple break from to clear your mind and not go crazy, regroup and be refreshed and ready to go for your little.
I’m a huge believer that every child should have a sleeping schedule. From babies to toddlers. I will be the first to admit I on someday cannot wait for the littles bedtime to come around. If it was a “rip your hair out” kinda day, and you’re just ready for a break. There is nothing wrong with this. Children need their sleep and being on a set schedule not only benefits you but also your children. No one wants a cranky child from not having enough sleep.
3. Share responsibilities with a spouse.
I find that most new moms have most of the responsibilities. From changing diapers to breastfeeding, bathing, etc. Let spouse feed the baby every once in a while. Let them get up in the middle of the night to rock the baby back to sleep. But never make it an “it’s your turn” type of responsibility. If asked, just do it. Or just do it because you want to help not because you “have to”.
4. Housework can wait.
This one is plain and simple. HOUSE WORK CAN WAIT. Period.
5. Parent how you want to parent.
Everyone will try to tell you how to bring up your child. Everyone has his or her own ways to make things work. Heck, even I do in this post. But it all comes down to how you want to parent your own child. Take it or leave it but never feel bad about how you want to do things. Mom/Dad always knows best.
