Developing Your Own Parenting Strategy
Once you announce you’re pregnant, it seems like only mere moments before the advice starts coming in. Everyone from your parents to your friends starts to offer their tips and methods and all the opinions can start to take a toll on your sanity. This is why it’s of utmost importance you and your partner develop a parenting strategy that suits your needs and beliefs.
Here are six easy steps to help you create your own parenting strategy:
- Talk to your partner.
The best way to start planning for the arrival of your baby is to sit down with your spouse or partner to discuss what kind of parents you want to be. Discuss your own upbringing and what you value most to help build the framework of your parenting plan. Open communication throughout parenthood is essential for success so make sure the dialogue continues throughout pregnancy so you’re prepared.
- Do your research.
There are countless sources of information for new parents out there and doing a little research can expose you to options you may not have considered otherwise. From first-hand accounts of other parents to the advice of medical professionals, these resources can help you make decisions such as cloth or disposable diapers and how to plan a bedtime routine - Seek out experts.
Who your “experts” are will be different for everyone. You can certainly start with your relatives and friends, but don’t be afraid to seek outside opinions as well. Consulting with a doula, naturopathic physician or childcare specialist can provide you with an unbiased opinion from someone with a unique perspective. Listening to their opinions could help you refine your own parenting strategy.
- Put it in writing.
Sometimes it helps to write things down or type them up to keep everything straight. This is helpful for your birth plan as well as guidelines for those who will be taking care of your children after maternity and paternity leave ends.
- Be vocal with friends and family.
Letting your friends and family know where you stand on parenting issues big and small will help prevent future conflict. While their input is usually well intentioned, it can feel intrusive in your early days as a parent. Be respectful of their desires to help but don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and what you and your partner believe in when it comes to raising your kid(s).
- Be flexible.
Each day as a parent is different and they certainly don’t always go according to plan. Know that your parenting strategy will change and evolve with time is crucial as you get to know your baby. Parenthood changes your relationship in multiple ways and you may find what you thought was best at first needs to change to meet the needs of your family. Know that that’s OK and continue to have faith in your own instincts.
Creating a parenting strategy will help you stay focused on what’s important to you. It can include everything from diet (vegetarian, vegan, etc.) to discipline and is a means to keeping your thoughts organized as you go through the process of preparing for your baby’s arrival. Just remember, YOU know what’s best!
