Southern California Integrative Wellness Center
Nothing is ever quite the same once you know that a bundle of joy is on the way. Making the transition to parenthood is one of the biggest upheavals you will face in your life, and it’s important to get ready for the big changes ahead.
Here are a few ways you can make sure you’re prepared to welcome a new life into your family.
Plan, Then Let Go
Some new parents throw themselves into making plans for their child’s future, asking questions like, “Do I need to buy life insurance? Set up a college fund?” The best time to make these financial decisions is as early as possible. If you anticipate sending your child to college, then maybe now is the time to start that college fund.
However, no amount of planning will prepare you for the unexpected joys and challenges you will face. You have no way of knowing who your child will be, what friends they’ll make, what passions they’ll develop, and where they’ll want to go in life. So if you have a fixed idea of your child’s future: where they’ll live, what job they’ll have, etc, now may be the perfect time to let go and accept that you can’t know what the future holds.
Prioritize Your Self-Care and Well-Being
As a parent, your life will fundamentally shift toward prioritizing your child’s well-being over your own. But this doesn’t mean that you should neglect your own mental health. Keeping yourself relaxed, energized, and on an even keel day-to-day will allow you to give your child more love and attention.
Some simple but effective ways you can rest and recharge include:
- A nightly bubble bath
- A weekly “date night” with your partner
- Dedicated reading time
- A brisk walk a few times a week
- A daily nap in the afternoon
Also remember that food is medicine. Your diet is the foundation of a healthy life for you and your family.
Take Advantage of Technology
Today’s parents have access to more technological assistance than any previous generation. Take advantage of these options by equipping your home with smart technologies that make life easier and more convenient.
Smart appliances that you can “set and forget” are a godsend when you’re busy running after your little one. Devices that are hands-free and voice-activated (for example, lights that can be turned on with a voice command) are also handy. These little conveniences add up, allowing you to save time and energy for your child.
As you look forward to the wonderful experience of becoming a new parent, make sure to stop and take a breath. You can plan all you want, but nothing will quite prepare you for the first moment that you hold your child. That’s the challenge, and the wonder, of parenthood.