If parenting came with a cheat code, new moms and dads would probably sleep more, stress less, and feel like they actually know what they’re doing. The truth? No one really does—at least not at first. However, there is a little secret that can make the journey smoother: embracing the fact that “perfect parenting” doesn’t exist.
Parenthood is full of hard knocks, and it’s essential to be prepared for these surprises. New parents may feel overwhelmed and overly sensitive, but it’s crucial to learn to roll with the punches.
According to Psychology Today, playfulness can significantly improve resilience, emotional regulation, and parent-child relationships, especially for post-traumatic parents. It is stated that cultivating playfulness is not just about bonding, but also about building an emotionally safe, co-regulated relationship with children.
The above source further mentions that integrating play into parenting helps co-register emotional states, develop skills, model resilience, and activate dopamine for positive motivation. “Turning tasks into games is a way to leverage our dopamine system for motivation. This is called gamification, and research has shown that it increases engagement and willingness to participate in tasks.”
When overwhelmed, the Newton websites state that you ask for help from family, friends, or neighbours to assist in various tasks. It is stated that you establish a bedtime routine, which can be as simple as cooking a meal or watching your baby. “After the first few months, your baby will most likely be able to stick to a routine, at least most of the time. And the older they get, the more predictable their schedule becomes.”
Start with simple activities like bathing, changing clothes, reading, and singing songs. Consistency is key for babies and parents, as they thrive off a consistent routine.
Also see: How to help your teen navigate their first relationship without overstepping
