What's the single most important advice you can give to new parents?

1. 79

   raeyecarlosposted 12 years ago

   What's the single most important advice you can give to new parents?

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2. 89

   BizGenGirlposted 12 years ago

   Remember to inhale, exhale and don't panic, lol

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3. 61

   CeresTineposted 12 years ago

   Be calm. The baby can feel it if you get anxious, rattled or stressed out while taking care of him/her.

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4. 90

   jpcmcposted 12 years ago

   No one ever becomes a perfect parent.  You just try your best to be one.

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5. 60

   nightwork4posted 12 years ago

   two things. first, always remember that you brought the child into this world so getting mad at them just because they slow your life down is wrong. secondly, patients and lots of it.

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6. 60

   mariale2003posted 12 years ago

   Enjoy every minute and every stage, only parents know whats better for their own child. trust it, just trust it. Even in your most difficult moments the right answer will come to you easily.

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7. 89

   ThePracticalMommyposted 12 years ago

   Trust your instincts. You're going to get a lot of advice and read a lot about what other parents do, but only you know what is best for your child.
   
   Have patience. Remember that everything they do is a learning experience for them. Show them the right direction in which to go.
   
   Tell them multiple times a day that you love them. Hug them and squeeze them as much as you can. They only stay little for a while. 

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8. 61

   tdolphinposted 12 years ago

   remember to laugh and smile!  Your kids will love you forever if you laugh and smile with them.

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9. 53

   Ourfamily2yoursposted 12 years ago

   Having a child is the best gift that anyone can have.  But, to be great parents it is important to remember to take time out for you and as a couple.  Even if it is 1 hour a week, do something that is just for you and then also do something as a couple.  A strong couple will develop a strong family.

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10. 59

    sam3mposted 12 years ago

    keep lines of communication open.  expect them to be rebellious in their teens and give them some room to push boundaries.

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11. 60

    michelemacwritesposted 12 years ago

    Enjoy each moment.  Don't miss a thing !   They grow up so very fast !!

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12. 0

    Robert Veightposted 12 years ago

    In the very beginning, it's loving, gentle touching & holding your baby, lots of smiles and baby talk.  As they grow, be sure to be consistent with your guidance, as they quickly learn if "no" really means no, etc.  Later, it's so important to instill family core values.  Begin and keep as many traditions as you can.  They will remember them very fondly for the rest of their lives. 
    
    And always give them your love and "quality" time, set aside for just you and them (this does not include running around dropping off and picking up at soccer games, etc).  Rather special quality involvement. 
    
    You will need patience and time for yourselves to rejuvenate, because "when the parents are alright, the kids will be alright."

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13. 60

    Kat07posted 12 years ago

    Go into it with no expectations.  What you think you have planned for will likely not be the case.  It's a life lesson in flexibility and choosing your battles wisely.

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14. 60

    loneparentgigglesposted 12 years ago

    My sister asked for my best tip, i told her "never doubt your ability, the minute you start to doubt it affects everything you do. You CAN do it, and you it WELL."

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15. 69

    delaneyworldposted 12 years ago

    Take time to listen to music and dance with your child every day.  The most important thing is to show your child you love them, through your actions.

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16. 60

    cobrienposted 12 years ago

    Relax and enjoy baby while you can and don't be afraid to ask for help. It takes a village to raise a child.

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17. 82

    Rosie writesposted 12 years ago

    Your children should know without a doubt that they are loved.

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18. 0

    happy mummsyposted 12 years ago

    my single most important advise to new parents is DO NOT FORGET TO LOVE EACH OTHER -- quite frequently new parents get so focused into taking care of their new member that they tend to forget abt each other :-( little babies need love and affection, i know, but trust me, you and your partner need love and affection too from each other .. a happy couple makes for a happy baby .. ~ m

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19. 61

    epateraposted 12 years ago

    Be patient with each other.  Your lives have been turned upside down, but you will soon be in a routine and life will get to your new normal.

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20. 60

    PoliCommandmentsposted 12 years ago

    The baby blues will not last two long.  As difficult as adapting to your new bundle of joy is, you will love him or her unconditionally in a couple of weeks, and will cherish every diaper change, feeding, etc.  Take turns and find a babysitter for those breaks when you need them.  These will help as you introduce yourself to a new lifestyle.

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