Parent and Baby

Feel just as helpless as your new born? Don’t worry. Truly, there’s no rest for weary new moms. Your childbirth scars are barely healed and you are already swamped with feedings, diaper duties, slumber problems and bills. And while lactating and sleep deprived, mothers are still expected to manage the budget, run the household, attend to hubby, return to work, e nice to in-laws and most of all, lose the pregnancy weight gained. The following are some tips to stay organized and focused through this difficult period.

Parenting

• Parenting is not only mom’s job. Both parents should show their kids that they are loved. When dads get into the act, they help provide kids a more balanced upbringing.
• Make sure the children have both mommy time and daddy time. Each parent should have a regular schedule for playing and spending time with each of the kids, from the youngest to the oldest.
• A “no” from one parent should mean a “no” from both. Don’t reverse your partner’s decision. Discuss things privately when you disagree.
• Neither spoil nor deprive your children. Give them enough of the necessities and some of the luxuries, if affordable.
• When in a frenzied situation, take one long, deep breath before you react; take more deep breaths while in its midst. Take a breather when you feel your body is going into a heightened state.
• Treat your children equally. You may have preferences, but don’t make comparisons in front of the kids.

Budgeting

• Agree on who handles what. List all earnings and expenses and decide together how to manage your funds.
• Adopt a good formula for spending. Example: 20 % goes to savings, 70 % goes to expenses and 10 % goes to social responsibility.
• All major purchases and expenses should have joint consent. The necessity for this should be predetermined.
• Discuss problems immediately, especially those on conflicting spending styles and settle them at once. Being diplomatic and just letting the problem pass will not work.

Time Management

• Keep separate list of things to do- for the day, the week, the month and timelines for finishing them. Check things off as soon as they are done.
• Be realistic, prioritize and don’t overexert yourself.