It was important to me that this was my first post after the site redesign. Being a parent is without a doubt one of the hardest and most rewarding jobs on the planet. But being a parent in 2023 brings on it’s own sets of challenges. Challenges that some parents before us were truly not faced with. With technology changing by the minute, school shootings on the rise, and so much overload from the world around us there are days I feel like I don’t know where to turn.

I thought giving a few pointers from a parents perspective in 2023 would be helpful. Below are my top 5 tips for new parents.

• First and foremost, do you! This has many meanings but I think the most important message is that you are doing whatever it is that YOU feel is right. I see so many parent’s that are doing this or doing that because this book says this or that blog says that. That’s no way to parent. Take what you feel are the best parts of all these systems and create your own.
• Take time for you. This is important! I’m not necessarily talking about a lavish week alone on a deserted island (unless that’s your thing) but instead, taking a few minutes to have time for yourself. This could be reading a book, working on a project you enjoy, or even watching an episode of your favorite TV show. It doesn’t matter what it is, just take the time to enjoy a few minutes to yourself.
• Your not going to break them. This was a lesson I had to learn from day one. I remember thinking our son was so fragile and yet these nurses would just whip him around to change clothes or a diaper like it was nothing. When I asked why she was so rough her exact response was, “you aren’t going to break him”. This took time to get used to be eventually became the norm. As he’s gotten older this meaning has transitioned from diaper changes to our style of punishment. Instead of worrying about physically breaking my son there were days I worried about mentally break him. That may sound harsh but believe me, that one time you lose control and yell isn’t going to break them.
• Give everyone grace. Everyone. There are days my kid is a jerk. There, I said it, he can be a jerk. And you know what, from his perspective, I’m sure there are days when I’m a jerk too. You get through it. Sometimes everyone apologies and then you move on to the next day. Give them and give yourself grace to make mistakes.
• Ask for help. This is one I struggle with. Ask for help when you need it! Need to take that time to yourself? Ask for help? Baby has a cough? Ask for help? Not sure what size diapers to buy? Ask for help!

I’m sure that I could go on and on with this list but I think the five above are the most important. Parenting isn’t easy, it’s hard. Anybody that tells you otherwise is lying to you. You are going to have good days and your going to have bad days. Believe me, you’ll have plenty of both.

I hope this helps! What are your top parenting tips?