#11. Top Three Things
August 8, 2006 by kate baggott
Filed under Mental Health
Top Three Things, TTT, is a special vacation series. This are items designed to get you some help. So, if you read this and feel tired, send the link to your best friend who should then copy and paste it into an email message and send it to the right person with a note that reads something like,
Hi (insert husband/grandparent’s or friend’s name here),
Do you think something like this would help (insert mom’s name here)? She’s been a little overwhelmed since the baby was born and she might need a break.
All the best,
(insert covert ally’s name here)
Today’s TTT contains three things new grandparents can and should do to help their daughter or daughter-in-law when a new baby is on the scene.
1. Remember that help is practical rather than instructive. New parents don’t need to be taught how to parent, they need help with housekeeping, cooking, cleaning, childcare for older children and emotional support.
2. Don’t act like a guest. A new addition to a family is a stressful time and your children may not be able to have a sit and talk visit for a very, very long time. If you come over to see your new grandchild, you will probably have to put the kettle on yourself. Don’t wait for an invitation to help out. Just jump in. You may not hear a thank you right away, but please be patient. New mothers are full of activity, emotion, and hormones.
3. Share stories about when your own children were babies. When you tell these stories, it reminds everyone that even the most expert parents were once new, frightened, full of love and imperfection.
