This entry was posted on Friday, February 15th, 2008 at 11:49 pm and is filed under Parenting. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
One of the first decisions you may have to make in order to adjust your own life to your baby’s schedule is to modify your expectations of yourself especially if you are something of a perfectionist. The Supermom who runs a home with consummate efficiency, serves three gourmet meals at the same hours every day, gives skilled care of a brand new infant, and is always perfectly groomed, is a myth. Trying to make that myth a reality has caused many a mother serious trouble.
If you are a new parent who has a full-time housekeeper, an immaculate house must take second place to a lovingly cared for baby and to parents rested enough to handle their daily responsibilities. A quick pickup everyday will keep your home tidy enough to be comfortable. Heavier household jobs can be postponed or skimmed over until there’s more time, or can be delegated to someone else. The best helper will probably be the baby’s father, if his work schedule allows or if he can arrange leave or vacation, because it gives him a chance to get to know his child in an everyday unhurried fashion, as he goes about the housekeeping chores. If this is not possible, try to arrange for some extra help, either by hiring someone to come in for a few hours a day or a week, or by accepting offers of friends or family members to clean or do laundry.
Cut down your expectations of the way family meals should be prepared and served too, but do not skimp on nutrition. You need a well-balanced diet of wholesome foods that your new responsibility requires, but you do without fanciness and formality. Enjoy the casseroles and baked goods thoughtful people supply and don’t feel guilty about occasionally bringing in a fast-food meal. When you must cook, choose simple basic foods that can be prepared quickly and easily.
