Back to school
You need driving lessons before you can drive a car, a licence to own a dog - but why are we expected to just "know" what to do with a sleepless baby, a terrible toddler or an anxious child? Well, we don't.There are classes on parenting in most areas which include simple but amazingly effective techniques to help you deal calmly and sensibly with your child. Highly recommended by netmums!
Find time for yourself...
75% of mums find having no "me time" one of the major stress factors in their lives. A bit of mutual support can give you that little bit of breathing space that makes all the difference. As you get to know mums and their children a little, offer to babysit while they go to the hairdresser or dentist or even just a couple of hours child-free shopping. They may then offer to reciprocate and it could become a regular thing. Babysitting circles are another way to fill the gap left by absent grandparents.... AND your partner!
4 out of 10 mums find their relationship with their partner stressful but 7 out of 10 of us turn to them when we are feeling down... So find time for each other - that babysitting circle could be just the thing.Get help
If you are struggling, FIND SOME HELP. There are support groups for almost everything, probably in your area. It is not a weakness to ask for help. You can't expect to be a good mum unless you are well supported yourself. That's what these groups are there for. Start with netmums... we have information on most things here.Everybody needs good neighbours
If you are lucky enough to be one of those mums with loads of friends, think about the instruction you would give your own children: if someone looks lonely or left out, be the one to talk to them and include them in the group. These days, we all live in boxes and rarely talk to anyone we don't know. Let's talk to each other... look out for each other... be good neighbours.(published with permission in writing from:http://www.netmums.com)
