The Crib: A Blog for New Parents

Posted by pecuellar on 01/17/08 - 02:52 PM

Yes, Dad it is time to step up your game. Your child’s homecoming can be overwhelming for everyone involved. Not only are you getting used to having a baby in the house, mom is also recovering from childbirth or surgery. Along with lack of sleep, hormone changes and newborn duties, there is probably a line of people that want to stop by and see the baby. Mom may be feeling exhausted, absentminded, and guilty about not being able to take care of all the things around the house.

If ever there was a time for you to step in and assume some extra responsibility it is now. If you don’t know exactly what to do here are a few pointers:

• Try to keep the house as calm as possible. This may mean limiting guests and keeping visits short, especially if it stresses mom out.

• Encourage mom to take it easy, she will need time to rest and recover.

• Try to take on as much of the household duties as you can. Take care of dinner and get the older children ready for school.

• Change diapers, rock baby, make bottles and bond --- after all you are the dad.

It will take some time but your house will soon start to feel normal again. Routines will emerge that help to restore balance and harmony to your home. Until then, the key to everyone keeping their sanity will be you.