They say parenting is lots of things. The most important job you can have. And also the hardest. Some say parenting is the most rewarding thing you can do. For others, it’s the most natural thing in the world.
The truth is, while parenting is a universal experience, there are no one-size-fits-all guidelines for every new mum and dad to follow.
No matter how many books you read, the answers to many of your questions will come from your own experiences (And lots of trial and error. Make that mostly error).
Since every day as a parent brings with it new questions, and there is no 100% right way to do things, it’s important for parents to feel confident in the choices they make. It might not be what a certain book dictates, but what matters most is that it’s the right choice for you.
“There comes a point where you have to just rip up all the books that you’ve read because your baby’s not going to sleep every four hours or feed every three hours. It’s just not going to happen,” explains one mum.
“They’re their own little person,” she adds.
Another mum reminds other mums that there’s “no such thing as being the perfect mum” and that you’re not going to get it right all the time.
That’s nothing to beat yourself up about because no one does - every parent is just trying to figure out their child’s needs and their own parenting style. The hardest bit is that what worked last time might not this time, so it’s about being flexible and growing along with your child.
The video also offers plenty of practical tips for new parents, from ideas on how to babyproof your house (try crawling - it really works!) to never leaving home without a muslin (essential for keeping the baby sick off your clothes).
“Being a mum is constantly evolving. It changes. And what I think changes, and how I deal with each situation changes,” says a mum-of-two.
Her most important tip?
“Oh yeah, and get yourself a tumble dryer.
“’Cause you’re definitely going to need one.”