Navigate the highs and lows of parenthood with the guidance of those who have walked the path.
Becoming a first-time parent is a remarkable and life-altering journey filled with immense joy and love, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges and uncertainties. The struggles of navigating parenthood for the first time can often feel overwhelming, leaving new moms and dads seeking guidance and support from those who have walked this path before.
In the midst of sleepless nights, diaper changes, and the constant whirlwind of baby care, experienced parents emerge as beacons of wisdom, offering invaluable tips and advice gleaned from their own trials and tribulations.
In the hopes of helping new parents navigate this new journey, I reached out to friends and family members via social media to gather some tips and tricks they’ve learned through their own experiences.
Their insights may serve as a lifeline for those embarking on this extraordinary adventure, helping to ease the transition into the world of parenthood.
Elia Osman, a mother of three, offered insightful wisdom, urging parents to break the cycle of past hardships and strive to provide a better upbringing for their children. However, she also cautioned against overindulging them.
Her belief centres on the importance of communication, not only with your partner but also with your own children as they mature.
Another parent, Nabilah, a mother of one, strongly advocates for fathers to take on the responsibility of diaper changing, even in the middle of the night.
She believes that this sharing of duties is essential because mothers carry the baby for nine months, bring them into the world, and often assume the primary caregiving role, including early morning breastfeeding. In Nabilah’s perspective, it’s a matter of equitable parental involvement.
Adibah, mother of two young children, emphasised the significance of prenatal classes for expectant parents, such as those focused on birthing and breastfeeding. These classes provide crucial knowledge that directly impacts the health and well-being of both mothers and their infants.
In these classes, expectant parents can acquire essential information on various aspects.
For instance, they can learn about health and safety by understanding the proper techniques of breastfeeding and birthing.
The knowledge helps reduce the risk of injuries or harm to both mother and newborn, preventing physical trauma, infections, or complications.
Furthermore, prenatal classes can cover topics related to nutrition and growth. A well-informed mother can ensure her baby receives the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development through adequate milk supply and proper breastfeeding techniques.
In addition to health and nutrition, these classes delve into matters such as bonding and emotional well-being, early intervention, pain management, empowerment, and long-term health. Each of these facets contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the parenting journey, ensuring that expectant parents are well-prepared to provide the best care for their newborns and foster a strong foundation for their future well-being.
Conversely, Jemjitsu, a father of one, stressed the need for fiscal responsibility once you enter parenthood.
“Don’t get too excited and spend too much,” he cautioned.
“Babies grow rapidly, and they outgrow newborn clothes in a matter of weeks. So, be really wise with your money.”
Iqbal, a media colleague and a father of one, offered his own valuable advice, highlighting the significance of mastering the art of interpreting your baby’s cries.
He explained that this skill helps parents determine whether their baby is hungry, needs a diaper change, or requires other forms of care.
Meanwhile, Dean, another media colleague and father to a one-year-old boy, advised prospective parents to make thoughtful purchasing decisions.
“Avoid buying unnecessary items,” he advised.
“Consider investing in baby gear that can adapt as your child grows, like convertible car seats, extendable strollers, and adjustable baby cots that accommodate various developmental stages.”
On the other hand, Leon, an experienced father of two grown children, offered a different perspective, emphasising that parenting doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all manual. He believed that it’s a natural learning process, where wisdom is gained through experience.
Wardi, a father of three, further contributed to the discussion by cautioning against allowing past traumas to dictate one’s parenting approach.
He stressed the importance of seeking support when necessary and finding a balance between being a parent and a friend to your children, particularly in light of the contemporary emphasis on gentle parenting.
Parenthood represents an ongoing journey of growth and discovery, where the insights shared by those who have walked the same path before us shine as guiding lights, helping to navigate the transition into a world of limitless love and treasured moments.
Therefore, embrace the advice you receive and adapt it to your unique parenting style, making it your own. – Izah Azahari
