7 parenting worries to let go of today

[AD] Parenthood can be a roller coaster ride of emotions and challenges, it can be easy to become trapped in a cycle of self-blame, and get caught up in parenting worries.

Blaming yourself for how sleepy, messy, or chaotic parenthood feels may seem like a rite of passage, but it shouldn’t be. In fact, it’s important to remember that when you feel like you’re failing, you’re actually learning.

Parenting doesn’t come with instructions, and more often than not you’re actually surpassing expectations more often than you give yourself credit for.

Here are 7 parenting worries that many of us feel at some point, that you should let go of today.

Bouncing back

Social media might lead you to believe that bouncing back to your “pre-baby” appearance three weeks postpartum is normal, but it’s not.

Your body went through nine months of growing a human, don’t expect, or put pressure on yourself to “bounce back” immediately.

Your body needs rest and kindness, rather than guilt or pressure for healing to take place.

Making time for self-care is a great way to feel better after having a baby, as is remembering your worth doesn’t depend on its postpartum body.

Breastfeeding

New mums can feel pressure to breastfeed, if you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone.

Latching issues, low milk supply, or your baby preferring formula are all valid reasons as to why breastfeeding may not be working for you.

Don’t let the way you feed your baby define who you are as a mum, fed is always better than perfect, and your baby will thrive regardless of the method they receive their nutrition.

Cradle cap

Cradle cap is a harmless skin condition, typically appearing as scaly patches on a baby’s scalp, but cradle cap on your baby’s face can also show up.

When it comes to cradle cap, experts speculate that it’s caused by overactive oil glands, or leftover maternal hormones, things outside of your control, and beyond your influence.

Treatment usually entails gentle washing and moisturising before it clears up naturally on its own, and has nothing to do with anything you’re doing.

Home cleanliness

Caring for a newborn is stressful, don’t add maintaining a tidy home to the stress you already feel.

Laundry and dishes will pile up, and there will probably always be toys or bottles lying around somewhere.

These things are part of mum life, instead prioritise what matters, which includes spending time with your newborn, resting when possible, and remaining sane over dust bunnies or toys lying around.

Also, accept any help that comes your way, and ask for it if you need it.

Enjoying every moment

You’re bound to have been told at some point to “enjoy every moment as your child grows up so fast.”

There are many moments in parenthood that are hard, from sleepless nights, crying fits, to days where nothing goes right.

Parenthood is full of highs and lows, just because you love your child doesn’t mean you love changing them at 2am.

Feeling frustrated or overwhelmed doesn’t make you a bad parent, it makes you human.

Taking time out

Taking time out often leads to mum guilt, as we tend to justify why we’re doing something for ourselves once we have kids.

Sneaking off for coffee, taking a nap, or watching your favorite show during nap time, often leads to that voice in your head whispering “this time should be spent with your baby”.

However, self-care isn’t selfish, it recharges your batteries so you can take better care of yourself and your baby.

Make sure you treat yourself to some well-earned time out without feeling guilty, as it’s is important for your mental and physical health.

Not being an expert

Parenting is a steep learning curve.

No matter how many books or advice you read or receive, nothing prepares you for the real-life rollercoaster of raising kids.

Mistakes are normal, you may put a nappy on backwards, your baby might cry in public without warning, or a wide range of other unexpected things may happen.

This is all part of learning as you go. Mistakes don’t reflect negatively on you as a mum, they reflect growth rather than perfection.

Give yourself permission to learn, rather than being an expert immediately.

Parenting worries – a recap

There are many things to worry about as a parent, from body expectations, how you feed your baby, cradle cap, the state of your home, enjoying every moment, taking time out, not making mistakes, and so much more.

Don’t let these things affect your parenting experience, or your mental health.

Instead, let go of these parenting worries, stop blaming yourself, and stop trying to do it all perfectly.

Even on the days that you feel you’ve failed in some way, the love, care, and attention you put into raising your child is invaluable to their development.

Parenthood is hard, messy, and imperfect, but also beautiful. So, take a deep breath, and remember that you’re doing a great job.

What do you worry about as a parent?