Under 5s - For Parents with Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers (2024)

FAQs

What is the best advice for first time parents? ›

Following this rule with your kids can lead to happier parent-child relationships. Aim for sharing positive feedback and reinforcement at least 5 times for every 1 demand or criticism you make. We often don't realize as parents how many demands we make of our children in short periods of time.

1-3 Months

The first three months with your baby often seem the hardest. Sleep-deprived parents can feel overwhelmed, but that is normal and you will quickly learn how to read your baby's cues and personality. Don't worry about “spoiling” your baby at this stage.

Research shows that some people find it hardest to parent children in their middle school years. Puberty and peer pressure can leave these teens feeling angry, alone, and confused, which can cause bad behavior and disagreements.

In the first few weeks of caring for a newborn, most new moms feel anxious, sad, frustrated, tired, and overwhelmed. Sometimes known as the "baby blues," these feelings get better within a few weeks. But for some women, they are very strong or don't get better.

He is that shoulder to cry on for his wife and kids when they go through a rough time. A good father will drop whatever he is doing and tend to console his heartbroken wife and children. He listens to his children's needs, feelings, and concerns with an open heart and an open mind, making them feel heard and validated.

Your child is more familiar with one parent.

Often when babies or toddlers spend most of their time with one parent, they begin to prefer that parent. This is simply because that parent is more familiar and not a sign that there's anything wrong or missing in their relationship with the other parent.

How to avoid toddler tantrums? ›

Parents who make time to listen, take children's concerns seriously, provide consistent support, step back and let kids solve problems on their own (or not), and allow ample free time for play, can help children thrive.

"Being a mom is one of the hardest titles to hold but one of the most rewarding. Trust your instincts and don't judge yourself through social media. Do not be hard on yourself or get discouraged if you fail. If you fall down, get back up, and try something else," she adds.