Welcoming a new addition into your family is life changing. With this transition comes joy, sleepless nights, and moments of self-discovery you might never have expected. It can also be overwhelming, and it’s normal to feel like you’re figuring it out one day at a time.
Adding to the overwhelm is the bombardment of parenting advice. It’s everywhere – on your social feeds, coming from your friends and family, and published on thousands of blogs. How do you as a parent know which advice is worth following?
The best advice for new parents
We’ve filtered through the noise to bring you the best parenting advice. Best of all, it’s backed up by what God tells us in the Bible!
1. Accept help
Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding another child to your family, you don’t have to go it alone. There’s nothing wrong or shameful about accepting help, especially if it’s being offered!
If some of the help being offered isn’t exactly...helpful...don’t hesitate to let others know how specifically they can support you – whether it’s a meal, advice, a load of laundry, or even looking after your other kids for a bit. They’ll be grateful to know they’re making your life easier, and you’ll get the help you really need.
It isn't selfish to ask for help. In fact, it’s one way you can look out for the best interests of your family. Proverbs 15:22 reminds us, “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.” It’s okay to lean on those around you and seek advice and support when you need it most.
2. Create new routines and rhythms
New babies have a way of changing everything, and it can be difficult to hang onto the routines and rhythms you’re accustomed to. When it was easy to get to church on time or spend a leisurely morning reading your Bible before, you might feel like time escapes you now.
Instead of frustrating yourself by trying to conform to your old routines, look at this as an opportunity to create new ones. Try carving out a few minutes each day for a Bible Reading Plan, playing worship music in your baby’s room while you feed or change them, or taking a few weeks to engage with Church Online from your home.
Be patient with yourself during this time, because God is patient with you! Remember the words of Psalm 103:8: “The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.”
3. Find community
We aren’t meant to parent alone, and finding community with other parents can bring some much-needed relief and encouragement. A great place to do this is in a Group with other parents! Galatians 6:2 reminds us of supporting and receiving support from others. God doesn’t want us to parent alone, and by connecting with others, you can receive valuable insight, guidance, and support from people who have been in your shoes!
4. Look for ways to bond with the baby
Bonding with your new baby lays the groundwork for lifelong love and trust. The best part is it doesn’t take much! Singing to your baby, reading them a story, or even wearing them in a carrier can be meaningful, simple ways to connect.
Building a bond with your baby reflects the heart of God. Psalm 139:13-16 reminds us, “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb…Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” God intimately knows us, and this time of bonding is a chance for you to get to know your baby intimately.
5. Take off the pressure
Parenting isn’t easy! It’s challenging, messy, and it can leave you feeling ill-equipped. Too often, parents pressure themselves to get everything right – but remember, God made you for this. He’s given you everything you need to parent your child. You’re not alone, and there’s grace for the bumps in the road along the way.
When you start to doubt yourself, take heart in the words of Philippians 4:13: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” God chose you to be your baby’s parent. He has faith in you, even when you don’t have faith in yourself, and through his strength you can overcome the challenges of parenthood.
Embrace the journey!
Being a new parent isn’t always easy, but it’s a meaningful journey – one where you’ll experience purpose, joy, and growth in a whole new way. We hope you feel confident stepping into this new season of parenthood, whatever it looks like for you.
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If you’re looking for more helpful, encouraging content for parents, be sure to check out our articles on parenting – like this one about raising kids with adulthood in mind!
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