Navigating Parenthood: Tips for New and Expecting Parents
Becoming a parent is one of the most amazing (but terrifying) experiences life has to offer. The journey from pregnancy, to birth, to caring for a little life is filled with moments of joy, excitement, and (a lot) of anxiety. As you search for cribs and look up the price of diapers, it’s natural to have questions and concerns about how to navigate this new chapter in life. Don’t worry—every single parent has been there. And you are not alone. Here are a few bits of wisdom from seasoned moms and dads who’ve been where you are.
Become a student of parenting
Before doing anything else to prepare for your precious baby, start learning about parenting. Consider enrolling in prenatal classes or attending workshops on newborn care. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, parents who participate in prenatal education programs are more likely to feel confident and less anxious about childbirth and parenting. And it makes sense. By understanding the stages of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting, you can help alleviate some of the fears that come with the unknown.
Plug into a healthy community
It’s true what they say; raising a child takes a village. Whether it’s family, friends, or community groups, having a strong support system is crucial. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it—whether it’s for a few hours of babysitting or advice on breastfeeding. Many new parents feel overwhelmed by the demands of a newborn, and having someone to lean on can make all the difference.
At Caring Network, we believe that God places people in our lives for a reason. James 1:17 says “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly light, who does not change like shifting shadows.” One of those “good and perfect gifts” is a community that loves you and your baby. And the blessings and support we receive from others are part of God’s perfect plan. He provides for us through the people around us. Find a healthy community and plug in!
Don’t forget about self-care
In caring for a newborn, it’s easy to forget about your own needs. However, taking care of yourself is essential to being the best parent you can be. Self-care includes: getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, taking a shower, and finding time to recharge.
The best self-care also includes time for prayer and reading God’s Word. This can be a grounding practice that not only nourishes your spirit, but also helps you stay centered during the ups and downs of parenting. Remember, just as God provides for your child, He also provides for you. Take the time to rest in the gift He has given you—Himself.
Build that routine
Babies thrive on routine, and establishing a consistent schedule brings a sense of order to the chaos of newborn life. So set up a schedule for feeding, sleeping, and play times. An article from the Sleep Foundation found that babies who follow a routine are more likely to develop healthy sleep patterns, which in turn contributes to their overall development.
But as you build a parenting routine, remember to stay flexible. Parenthood often requires adjusting to the unexpected. Don’t be so stuck in your schedule that you can’t pivot when your baby gets the sniffles, or the babysitter cancels last minute.
Forget Being Perfect
Maybe you’ve heard this before, but it’s so important, it needs to be said again—no parent is perfect. And that’s okay. There will be days when you feel like you won a “parent of the year” award. Then there are days when you’ll want to quit and run off to Australia. In those moments of doubt, remember that God does not expect perfection from you. Just showing up for your child is a win in God’s eyes. Lean into His grace, and give yourself permission to learn and grow alongside your baby.
Parenthood is a journey of constant learning, and each day brings new challenges and new joys. Every step, every decision, and every tear, every cheer—it’s all a part of the beautiful story God is writing for your family.
Enjoy moments together
In the middle of sleepless nights and the 14th diaper change of the day, we can forget the beauty of this season. So take the time to enjoy the small moments—the first smile, those little toes, the way your baby fits perfectly in your arms. These moments are fleeting, but they are also the memories you’ll carry with you for a lifetime.
In John 16:21, Jesus said “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born, she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.” Yes, being a mom or dad is hard. But there is so much joy as well. If you are willing to look, you’ll find a million reasons why being a parent is the best job in the world.
Parenthood is an adventure like no other. It’s filled with deep valley and high mountain top experiences. But through it all, God’s love and guidance remain steadfast. Trust that the good and perfect gift of parenthood comes from a Father who never changes, even in the midst of life’s shifting shadows.
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Nobody hopes for an abortion.
But for someone in a crisis, it can seem like the best option. Without help, without support, without a vision for the future – it can even seem like it’s the only option.
Your love changes that equation.
Caring Network’s mission is to equip women to choose life – both physical and spiritual. That means connecting future moms to local baby supply programs (like our baby banks), small groups and spiritual guides who can cheer them and their new children on to more abundant life.
Help us make a difference … two lives at a time.
