BBC had a lovely article on advice for new parents.
Here are some of the other gems that you rarely hear:
BE REALISTIC
Baby will change your life and routine. Social life? Forget it. No parties, movie night outs. No good night rest. Your life for the next two years will feel similar to a constant hangover. Don’t worry, go with it, even try to enjoy it – it will get better.
DON’T WORRY
You may feel lost and wonder what you have traded. Don’t worry and sweat the small stuff.. You will learn to love your kids for who they really are and enjoy them and realize that they really are one of the best things that happened to you.
HOW TO HOLD
When you pick up a child hold them side-on. That way they can’t kick you in the groin. J
HOW TO DECORATE YOUR ROOM
Keep a box of tissues handy in every room to mop up nasty spills.
ON ADVICES
Follow your instincts. Everyone, including complete strangers, will give you advice. Never argue – smile and say, "That is very interesting." Then ignore the advice unless you actually agree with it or pay for it (e.g. Doctor).
ONLY PIECE OF ADVICE TO FOLLOW
Love them a lot. No-one on their death bed ever said "I wish I spent more time in the office" – don’t regret placing your children above your career. Secondly, loving your children is not equivalent to letting them do/get whatever they want. Think long-term – the goal is for them to be responsible contributing members of society who know they are loved by their parents.
ON PROXY
Children are not your proxy. Don’t use them as competition.
ON RELATIONSHIP
Work the chores together with your husband
ON SLEEP
When baby sleeps, you sleep. Housework can wait. Never underestimate the power of sleep deprivation. It can turn the most pleasant of persons into a raging psychopath.
